Voting Legitimizes the Islamic Republic, Prominent Scholar Warns

Iranian female Islamic scholar Sedigheh Vasmaghi has contended that participating in the upcoming snap presidential elections will bolster the Islamic Republic's authority.

“When voter turnout is low, the ruling factions lose confidence, but high turnout empowers and validates them,” the academic wrote on her Instagram account on Friday.

“I view the people's vote as a valuable social and national asset that should not be squandered or benefit those responsible for current issues,” she added.

Previously, she cautioned "reformist" politicians against becoming ensnared in an unchangeable political system and "falling into the trap of tyranny."

Vasmaghi argued that currently, the Islamic Republic "is unable to confront the powerful and pervasive wave of change that has infiltrated its own ranks."

"In this context, to resist this tide, the ruling establishment has no alternative but to collaborate with a spectrum of reformists—a spectrum that is not threatening but rather enhances its authority."

Vasmaghi was detained in March for denouncing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a dictator and criticizing compulsory hijab laws. Her health deteriorated during imprisonment, leading to her eventual release.

During her incarceration, Vasmaghi wrote to the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission and international human rights organizations, detailing the mistreatment she had to face and highlighting Iran's systemic oppression, especially towards women.