Several videos received by Iran International from various cities show that some polling stations were virtually deserted at midday local time, as the Islamic Republic has been urging people to show their support by casting ballots.
Many ordinary Iranians, political activists and groups, as well as former supporters of the Islamic Republic have been calling for a boycott of the June 18 controversial presidential vote. Many voters are disillusioned that elections do not bring any fundamental change to the country, as important decision are made by the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Opinion surveys both by local and foreign-based polling outfits have shown that turnout could be less than 50 percent, the lowest in the Islamic Republic’s 42-year history.
Although dissidents and critics are not allowed to run for office in Iran, even some former officials and insiders have been barred in the 2021 vote. The hardliner election watchdog, the Guardian Council disqualified former parliament speaker Ali Larijani and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who were expected to be key favorites in the polls.
Videos showing deserted polling stations in Shiraz, Ahvaz and elsewhere.
مخاطبان ایران اینترنشنال ویدیوهای متعددی از حوزههای رایگیری در شهرهای مختلف ایران ارسال کردهاند که نمایانگر کسادی و خلوتی این حوزههاست. pic.twitter.com/r3SWAroF9Z
— ايران اينترنشنال (@IranIntl) June 18, 2021
Source » iranintl