Iran elections: Polls open in first elections since mass protests

Polls have opened in Iran for the first elections since the 2022 anti-government protests. 

There is a lack of enthusiasm in politics following a period of unrest after the death of a young woman detained by mortality police for wearing an “improper” hijab. 

More than 61.2 million people are eligible to vote. 

Two separate polls are taking place on Friday: one to elect the next members of parliament, and another to elect members of the Assembly of Experts.

The current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – who has held the position for more than three decades – encouraged voters to cast their ballots. He said not voting “would not solve anything.” 

State media had been trying to build enthusiasm in the run-up to the election, but turnout is still projected to be at 41% for parliamentary elections – which if accurate, will be the lowest turnout in the past 12 such ballots.

Mass protests in 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained for wearing her hijab ‘improperly’ has seen many Iranians reluctant to vote. 

Iran’s harsh treatment of protesters, which saw hundreds of people killed and thousands injured. Many were arrested and still remain in prison. 

Since the turmoil, Iran’s political and social atmosphere has become more repressive and the public has become further dissatisfied with the government.