{"id":320674,"date":"2024-06-20T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=320674"},"modified":"2024-06-20T21:15:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T20:15:53","slug":"iranian-regimes-desperate-efforts-to-showcase-legitimacy-through-sham-elections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-election\/iranian-regimes-desperate-efforts-to-showcase-legitimacy-through-sham-elections\/","title":{"rendered":"Iranian Regime\u2019s Desperate Efforts to Showcase Legitimacy Through Sham Elections"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Two-minute read<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

As preparations for the clerical regime\u2019s presidential elections unfold, all political factions appear to indulge in the illusion that they might once again deceive Iranian society. They aim to translate voter turnout into a display of legitimacy to convince their demoralized forces, regional proxy militants, and foreign counterparts at the negotiating table that the regime is far from being overthrown.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Ebrahim Raisi\u2019s premature death, Khamenei\u2019s plans<\/a> for a consolidated rule to navigate domestic and international crises have been thrown into disarray. His primary agenda to install an obedient crew at the helm of the Council of Experts, who would nominate his preferred candidate as the next Supreme Leader, is now in jeopardy.<\/span><\/p>\n

A new candidate must now take Raisi\u2019s place to continue the path Khamenei envisions. In the qualification process for the presidential race, a cunning strategy was employed. Among the self-proclaimed reformists, three registered: Eshaq Jahangiri, former VP under Hassan Rouhani; Abbas Akhoundi, former Minister of Roads and Urban Development under Rouhani; and Masoud Pezeshkian<\/a>, former Minister of Health under Mohammad Khatami.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aware of Jahangiri and Akhoundi\u2019s political clout compared to Pezeshkian, Khamenei swiftly disqualified the former two. This maneuver achieved two goals: it eliminated their chances of winning and created the illusion of allowing a reformist to run, though one who stands little chance against the heavyweight Principlists from Khamenei\u2019s own faction.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As various regime factions desperately try to deceive people into participating in the upcoming sham #elections<\/a>, remember this: On Aug 21, 2019, months before the 2019 uprising, then-FM Javad Zarif claimed the majority support the clerical dictatorship, citing over 70% turnout. pic.twitter.com\/RuA0vIKfpd<\/a><\/p>\n

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 20, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n