NIAC ( National Iranian American Council) : former President of Iran Mohammad Khatami revealed the thinking behind his decision to abstain from participating in the recent elections

 

Week of March 4, 2024 | Iran Unfiltered is a digest tracking Iranian politics & society by the National Iranian American Council  Khatami Opts Out of Elections, Citing Reformist Ideals Iran Seizes $50 Million US Oil Cargo Amid Legal Dispute Unprecedented Floods Ravage Sistan and Baluchestan: A Dire Call for Action Iran Mourns the Loss of Ney Maestro Jamshid Andalibi at 66 IAEA Flags Rising Concern as Iran’s Uranium Stockpile Grows, Diplomatic Tensions Simmer Chabahar Port Development: A New Chapter in Afghanistan-Iran Economic Relations Khatami Opts Out of Elections, Citing Reformist Ideals In a candid disclosure, former President of Iran Mohammad Khatami revealed the thinking behind his decision to abstain from participating in the recent elections for the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Assembly of Experts. Khatami, a figure synonymous with the reformist movement within Iran, articulated his stance as a principled choice to align with the broader sentiment of discontent prevalent among the Iranian populace. “I consciously and honestly did not vote to ensure I did not lie to anyone,” Khatami remarked. During a session with his advisors, Khatami reflected on the pervasive dissatisfaction with the current state of governance and societal management. “Based on official statistics and information, it’s evident that a significant portion of the nation is disillusioned with the existing conditions, thereby diminishing hope for the future,” he stated. This sentiment of disillusionment has been a recurrent theme, particularly among those who have opted to express their protest through abstention or invalid votes in recent electoral processes. Khatami’s commentary extends beyond mere electoral non-participation. He posited not voting in the current unfavorable conditions as an alternative expression of civic engagement, hopeful that such a stance might contribute to the restoration of trust between the populace and political entities, including those advocating for reform. “The path to salvation lies in establishing a development-oriented democracy. Considering the historical and social realities of the country and the beliefs of a significant portion of the population, the ‘Islamic Republic,’ a major achievement of the revolution, could and can still fulfill many of the nation’s historical desires and long-standing aspirations, ensuring national unity, security, progress, and safeguarding national interests.” Khatami employed the phrase “development-oriented democracy,” transitioning from his earlier references to “religious democracy.” This declaration marks a significant moment, juxtaposed against the backdrop of repeated warnings from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, against actions that could dissuade electoral participation. For the first time, Khatami has decided not to participate in the elections. His absence is perceived by the government as an opposition stance, which has irritated hardliner factions within the regime. In recent days, media outlets aligned with these hardliners have launched severe criticisms against Khatami. The hardliner newspaper Kayhan, through an article by its editor-in-chief, Hossein Shariatmadari, accused Khatami of following directives from the United States and Israel, claiming, “His abstention from participating in the elections is a guideline officially declared and insisted upon by the United States and Israel.”   The elections saw prominent candidates from well-known political factions, notably the reformists, facing widespread disqualification. Moreover, the elections witnessed the absence of not only longstanding critics of the Islamic Republic but also erstwhile government affiliates and figures with conservative inclinations, such as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Ali Larijani, who expressed disinterest in electoral activities. Highlighting the state of electoral participation, Khatami referenced “official statistics and information” to underscore the significant swath of the population that has demonstrated its discontent through non-participation and protest votes. This pattern, he noted, not only persisted but intensified in the latest election cycle. Khatami’s forthright acknowledgment of his electoral abstention sheds light on the broader context of political and social unrest in Iran, reflecting a deep-seated call for reform and greater accountability within the political framework. As Iran grapples with these internal dynamics, the discourse around electoral participation, rights, and reformist aspirations continues to evolve, signaling a critical juncture in the nation’s political discourse.