US: Elections in the Islamic Republic are neither free nor fair; we continue to support the people of Iran

The United States states that it does not expect the Islamic Republic of Iran to hold any free and fair elections or for fundamental changes to occur during the process of replacing Ebrahim Raisi, and in this context, it continues to support the people of Iran. Abram Paley, Deputy Special Representative for Iran at the U.S. Department of State, wrote on Wednesday, June 27, on 'X': 'As the Iranian regime prepares for its presidential elections, unfortunately, the United States does not expect free and fair elections to be held or for any change to occur in Iran.' In a series of tweets published on Wednesday, he wrote: 'Of course, the candidates are vetted by the Guardian Council, but we also know that the people of Iran do not even have access to the most basic freedoms that are essential features of any democracy.' Paley stated: 'In light of this regime's long history of authoritarianism, harassment and intimidation of journalists, suppression of electoral coverage, and denial of peaceful assembly, we support the people of Iran.' The Deputy Special Representative for Iran also said that the United States will continue to defend human rights in Iran, shine a light on the actions of the Islamic Republic in suppressing the people, and continue its support for a 'free and democratic future.' Amid widespread sanctions on the voting process for government candidates to assume the title of 'presidency' in Iran and the efforts of government agents from both reformist and principlist fronts to draw people to the polls to determine Raisi's successor, many have called this process a 'circus and election show' and have encouraged others not to participate. Meanwhile, some field reports from Iran predict that voter turnout for the election to choose Raisi's successor will be low. Prince Reza Pahlavi: The exchange of Hamid Noury is a 'diabolical scheme' to encourage participation in the 'election circus.' Prince Reza Pahlavi on the anniversary of Neda Agha-Soltan: The path to victory does not go through 'fraudulent ballot boxes.' Introduction of six candidates 'considered by the Guardian Council'; reactions: the introduction of 'circus election players' indicates a tightening circle of Khamenei's close associates. Government efforts to draw people to the polls; some users: there is no news of the 'election circus' in the grassroots community. New government restrictions ahead of the elections: strikes, sit-ins, protests, and encouraging boycotts are considered 'crimes.'