The Alliance for Democracy in Iran has called on pro-democracy forces and political activists to boycott the presidential elections in Iran, labeling them a 'show'. The political group's statement, released on Friday, May 5, emphasizes that elections in the Islamic Republic have 'never been fair and just', citing the Guardian Council's supervisory role. Founded by several political activists opposed to the Islamic Republic abroad, the Alliance aims for free elections in the country. The statement notes: 'If in the past, participating in elections meant choosing between the bad and the worse, today, realities show that elections have lost even their minimal meaning, and competition among the limited factions within the system is no longer possible.' It further states: 'Elections in the Islamic Republic were initially limited to the power rotation among those loyal to the Supreme Leader through the Guardian Council's oversight, and in recent cycles, through engineered elections, organized fraud, and increasing manipulation of votes to control the outcome, they have become a pre-designed show.' In the twelfth presidential election in Iran, over 1,600 individuals registered, including well-known political figures such as Ghasem Shole Saadi, former MP, Azam Taleghani, a national-religious political activist, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former president, Mohsen Rahami, former MP, and Mohammad Hashemi Rafsanjani. However, all were disqualified, leaving only six candidates for this election. The Alliance for Democracy in Iran insists that what is called an election in the Islamic Republic has 'the least resemblance' to its meaning and definition, and therefore, 'should not be supported.' The group also criticizes those who believe in participation, asking: 'Is it not time for those who lure people to the polls with any promises to be accountable for the fate of their votes and demands, and to take responsibility for the political consequences of this action that will affect the people?' The Alliance concludes: 'Efforts must be made to mobilize civil society and unite forces seeking the establishment of democracy to create the conditions for a truly free election in Iran... It is time for pro-democracy advocates to move beyond a reactive stance towards the regime's actions and take political initiative.' In the days leading up to the Iranian presidential election, several groups and political figures, including six Kurdish political parties, have called for a boycott. Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has also stated that none of the approved candidates for the twelfth presidential election in Iran have an acceptable human rights record.
The Alliance for Democracy in Iran Boycotts Presidential Elections
The Alliance for Democracy in Iran has called for a boycott of the upcoming presidential elections, criticizing them as unfair and manipulated. This group, formed by opposition activists abroad, emphasizes the need for genuine democratic elections in Iran. Their stance reflects a growing disillusionment with the electoral process under the current regime.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Alliance for Democracy in Iran has called for a boycott of the upcoming presidential elections, labeling them as unfair and manipulated. They argue that the electoral process has lost its meaning under the current regime.
- Over 1,600 candidates registered for the elections, but all were disqualified except for six.
- The Alliance emphasizes the need for genuine democratic elections and mobilization of civil society.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran's political system is characterized by limited electoral choices and significant oversight by the Guardian Council, leading to questions about the legitimacy of elections.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%