Iran's Parliamentary Elections See Historic Low Turnout Amid Discontent

Hard-liners lead in early vote count as voter apathy and criticism of election fairness dominate the narrative.

Iran's parliamentary elections witnessed a historic low turnout, with unofficial reports estimating around 40% participation.
Hard-liners are leading in the initial vote count, particularly in Tehran, maintaining their grip on parliament.
The elections were marked by voter apathy and widespread disenchantment, following the 2022 protests triggered by Mahsa Amini's death.
Reformists criticized the elections as unfree and unfair, with high-profile moderates and conservatives largely abstaining from participation.
Allegations of
statistical manipulation
and voting procedure ambiguities have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.