Iran election turnout hits record low, hardliners maintain grip on parliament

In Iran’s parliamentary election, turnout was reported to be around 41%, the lowest since the 1979 Islamic revolution that brought clerical rulers to power. This low participation was seen as a test of the clerical establishment’s legitimacy, especially in the face of economic struggles and limited electoral options for the young population.

Out of over 61 million eligible Iranians, only 25 million people cast their votes for the 290-seat legislature in the March 1 election, according to Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi.

Comparatively, the 2020 parliamentary election saw a turnout of 42.5%, while 2016 had a participation rate of about 62%. Despite the lower turnout, authorities claimed it still reflected the people’s trust in the Islamic Republic system.

However, about 5% of the total vote count was deemed invalid, with some reports suggesting the figure could be as high as 30%, indicating signs of disillusionment among core supporters of the regime.

Reformist politician Azar Mansouri was quoted in state media urging authorities to listen to the “silent majority” and reform the governance method to prevent further damage.

Where candidates failed to secure the required minimum 20% of votes in certain constituencies, a run-off will be held in April, Vahidi announced. In Tehran, a second round will be held for 16 out of the 30 parliamentary seats.

The election came after anti-government protests in 2022-23 that resulted in a violent crackdown, one of Iran’s worst political turmoil since the revolution. The contest saw heavyweight moderates and conservatives staying out, with the election being largely a competition among hardliners and low-key conservatives.

Iran’s parliament, which has been dominated by hardliners for over two decades, has limited influence on foreign policy and the country’s nuclear program, both of which are determined by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Opposition groups had called for a boycott of the election, distributing hashtags like #VOTENoVote and #ElectionCircus on social media to delegitimize the process. Former president Mohammad Khatami, a key reformist figure, was among those who refrained from voting.

Critics argue that the ruling clerics are unable to address the economic crisis exacerbated by mismanagement, corruption, and U.S. sanctions imposed since 2018, when Washington withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran.

Alongside the parliamentary election, a vote was also held for the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, responsible for selecting Khamenei’s successor. The outcome of these elections will shape Iran’s political landscape in the coming years.

(Additional reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Ros Russell)