Uncertainty in Urban Management of the Capital; Chahraman Says Zakhani Took Leave but Did Not Appoint a 'Deputy'

Mehdi Chahraman, the head of the Islamic Council of Tehran, referred to Alireza Zakhani, the mayor of Tehran, taking leave from the council to participate in the presidential election campaign. However, he noted that Zakhani has not appointed a deputy to manage urban affairs in his absence. Chahraman also mentioned that the presence of 'several city council members in the mayor's election campaign headquarters' was out of a sense of duty and stated that 'there is no legal prohibition on individuals participating in election campaign headquarters.' The use of public and governmental resources for electoral activities has always been a concern that has drawn public criticism. Zakhani is one of six candidates 'considered by the Guardian Council' for the Iranian government elections on July 8, which will determine his replacement for Ebrahim Raisi. Golrokh Iraei, a political activist imprisoned in Evin Prison, referred to Zakhani as a 'criminal of Koo-e Daneshgah' and an abuser of child labor and waste collectors in a letter published on her 'X' page last Thursday. This imprisoned political activist pointed out that the early presidential elections in Iran are 'the dictator's imposition of his will on society to repeat the claim of people's participation in their destiny.' The next elections of the Islamic Republic will be held on July 8 to determine the president of the fourteenth government. Many consider this election as 'appointments' added to the political calendar of the Islamic Republic following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The reactions of opposition figures to the 'election circus': the response of Iranians is a 'resounding no.' The introduction of six candidates 'considered by the Guardian Council'; reactions: the introduction of 'circus players' indicates a tightening circle of Khamenei's close associates. The removal of Larijani, Haqaniyan, Ahmadinejad, and Jahangiri from the circle of the regime's trusted individuals; users' hints: your trip was canceled by Khamenei. Golrokh Iraei: elections are the dictator's imposition of his will on society to repeat the claim of people's participation in their destiny.