Iran’s Parliament Election 2024: What You Need to Know
New York TimesFEB 20 2024
Iran Holds Parliamentary Election
Image copyright: Majid Saeedi/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Iran narrative
Not only have Iranians at home come out to participate in their country's democratic systems, but a high number cast their ballots from abroad. Despite Western efforts to encourage citizens to stay home, the Iranian people believe in their country and are willing to do what it takes to vote — even from consulates and embassies in foreign countries.
Anti-Iran narrative
Iran's election integrity issues are on full display. First, Supreme Leader Khamenei cast his vote early in the day so that everyone else knows who to vote for. The country also rolled back its ID requirements, leaving ample opportunity for fraudsters to cast multiple ballots. And, if that wasn't enough, the regime printed millions of unnecessary extra ballots, which will also give it the ability to ensure the success of its preferred candidates.