Iran Chess Federation Activities Suspended Ahead of Presidential Elections

The Iranian Chess Federation has announced a suspension of all activities, including competitions and training in the lead-up to the Presidential elections in a bid to ensure people come to the polls.

"While encouraging all the great chess community of the country to participate enthusiastically and widely in the elections, by the order of the Ministry of Sports, any sports activities, including holding competitions, training courses, and classes, etc. are prohibited from June 27-30, 2024," said the statement from the Ministry of Sport.

If the elections extend to a second stage, the suspension will also apply from July 4 to July 7, 2024, it added.

The federation did not provide further explanation for its decision or specify how training classes or chess tournaments could impede the presidential elections.

It comes as record low turnout is expected for the snap election on June 28. The elections were called after President Ebrahim Raisi died in a freak helicopter crash last month along with his delegation.

Latest polls predict at least two thirds of Iran will abstain from the sham vote which offers six candidates, hand chosen by the country's supreme leader.