Election boycotted by Iranian dissidents, challenging regime's legitimacy

Influential Iranian figures, from those in prison cells to those on social media, are boycotting Friday's presidential election runoff, casting doubt on its legitimacy and branding it as a farce.

Amirsalar Davoudi, a lawyer incarcerated in Evin Prison, denounced the election as a "selection" in a letter from prison. He declared his refusal to participate, asserting that the Islamic Republic pursues only a path of "lies and deceit."

In recent weeks, many dissidents have expressed publicly that the upcoming election is a manipulated facade rather than a genuine democratic process.

In his letter, Davoudi pointed out that there is disagreement among some intellectuals and advocates who want a fundemantal change in the country, about whether they should participate in the election or not.

The lawyer and dissident has been sentenced to imprisonment for advocating for a total system overhaul through the empowerment of the people.

In his fifth year of a 10-year sentence, Davoudi is widely regarded as embodying resistance to a government criticized for suppressing genuine democratic expression.

Sepideh Gholian, another political prisoner, described abstaining from voting as a form of "civil resistance" under current conditions.

Given the absence of a democratic mechanism in Iran, elections are widely believed to be predetermined outcomes by the country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

She says that participating in the elections allows Tehran to present a false image of "legitimacy," especially in international forums.

Gholian emphasized that the Islamic Republic is striving to be perceived as legitimate following its "severe and bloody" crackdown on the nationwide protests in 2022.

In direct contrast, those boycotting the election at great risk say that their protest is intended to signal to other countries that the state lacks legitimacy among the broader populace.

Gholian expressed hope for the eventual "overthrow" of the Islamic Republic, illustrating the deep-seated desire for systemic change among many Iranians.

Farhad Meysami, a civil activist and former political prisoner, denied reports of his participation in the elections. In an Instagram post, Meysami declared that he did not need an attorney or guardian to express his views. His response was prompted by claims from some reformist political activists, including Mohammadreza Jalaeipour, about his alleged participation.

This incident highlights the presence of manipulation and misinformation in political discourse in Iran, with false narratives potentially swaying public perception.

Meysami called on those spreading the "false news" to correct it, emphasizing the importance of truthful representation in the fight for genuine democratic processes.

Former political prisoner Abolfazl Ghadiani also called for a boycott of the election. He emphasized that the solution to Iran's problems lies in transforming the “ruling religious dictatorship” into a “democratic secular republic” through “civil and political resistance.”

Ghadiani’s stance echoes a broader sentiment among activists who believe that superficial electoral changes are insufficient and that only a complete overhaul of the political system can address the root issues facing the country.

Motahareh Gounei, an exiled student and detainee from nationwide protests, reiterated her stance on not voting in a post on X.

She stressed that her red line is "human dignity" and the “defense of civil rights,” not the whims of the leadership and the policies of the Islamic Republic.

Gounei’s message also highlighted the personal sacrifices and risks undertaken by activists who oppose the current government, often enduring imprisonment and exile. She emphasized that a bright future will be built by people who no longer have faith in the government, underscoring the profound disillusionment with the existing political framework.

Many observers say that this collective and unprecedented action represents a complete rejection of the current political system, aiming to communicate to both domestic authorities and the international community the pressing need for real change.