TEHRAN: Ahead of Iran’s voting day, Western media outlets were flooded with speculations and analyses forecasting a low turnout at the polling stations this year.
Headlines such as “Iran Braces for Low Election Turnout,” “Iranians Expected to Shun Elections,” and “Low Turnout and Boycott Expected” were the narratives adopted by Western political circles.
However, these reports lacked substantial data or polling information to substantiate their claims. General elections were held in Iran on March 1 and results are awaited, according to Tehran Times.
It appeared that these media outlets, influenced by Western political agendas, were not engaging in journalism but rather crafting a narrative for Iran’s elections. They sought to portray Iranians as mere actors in a predetermined script, amplified through Persian-language television channels like Iran International and BBC Persian.
Additionally, anti-Iranian figures residing abroad actively discouraged Iranians from participating in the elections. One such individual, a notorious terrorist and Kurdish separatist, was recorded saying, “If people boycott the elections, we can pressure Western states to give us more funds and impose more sanctions on Iran simultaneously.”
However, as the Tehran Times observed the bustling voting stations in the capital on Friday, it became evident that these efforts had largely failed.
“I have family members abroad who urged me not to vote. I explained to them that abstaining from voting won’t resolve anything. It’s crucial to exercise our right to vote to influence Iran’s future,” remarked Zahra, a 38-year-old voter.
Zahra highlighted the susceptibility of Iranians abroad to Western propaganda, citing the situation in Gaza as evidence of Western indifference. Despite her disagreements with the government, she remained steadfast in rejecting the narrative pushed by Western states.
Many Iranians shared Zahra’s sentiment on voting day. The spokesperson for Iran’s Guardian Council reported an increase in voter turnout compared to previous years.
“We must wait until the polling stations close to announce the final data. However, our observers have indicated higher voter participation than in previous elections,” stated Hadi Tahan Nazif.
While conservatives were expected to secure a majority in both parliament and the Assembly of Experts, rival factions demonstrated active engagement in the elections. Former President Hassan Rouhani, although disqualified from running, was photographed casting his vote with enthusiasm, alongside other reformist figures like former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.
“We vote because we are citizens of this country. Whenever we unite, we thwart our enemies’ intentions,” remarked Abdolnaser Hemmati, former Governor of the Central Bank of Iran.
The Iranian government’s decision to extend voting hours for the 40th round of elections since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 reaffirmed Iranians’ commitment to their country, setting aside their differences for the collective good.
