Politics

What’s at play in Iran’s presidential elections

Tehran, Jun 14 (EFE).- The upcoming presidential elections in Iran are expected to bring about a pivotal shift toward hardline conservatism, which could worsen already frayed relations with the West.

Here are five key points to understanding what’s at play in Friday’s elections.

THE RISE OF CONSERVATIVES

Iran’s conservative bloc swept the 2020 parliamentary elections, which acted as a litmus test for the upcoming presidential ballot.

After a directive from the Guardian Council barred most reformist and centrist candidates from running, five of the seven presidential candidates are conservatives and hardliners, the favorite being cleric and Chief Justice, Ebrahim Raisi.

During the election campaign, Raisi has advocated for a “strong” Iran and “efficient management” of internal resources to achieve a rise in production.

He has also promised to fight corruption and support young people to improve their economic situation with measures such as the construction of four million houses to reduce prices.

LOW TURNOUT

Friday’s turnout is expected to be low, with only between 38-45% of Iranians heading to polls.

The low turnout favors the conservative bloc as many of those casting their ballots support the current theocratic system and consider voting a religious duty.

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