Iran has commenced the registration process for candidates in the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for next year. This election holds significant importance as it marks the first one since the occurrence of protests in the country.

 

Iran has initiated the registration of candidates for the parliamentary elections set to take place in March. These elections hold particular significance as they will be the first to occur after the country experienced nationwide protests last year.

On Monday, Iran commenced the registration of candidates for the parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for March. These elections will be the first to take place since nationwide protests shook the country last year.

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has regularly held presidential and parliamentary elections. However, candidates must go through a vetting process by a clerical body that disqualifies those perceived as disloyal to the Islamic Republic. The ultimate authority in major policies lies with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The protests in Iran were triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was being held by the morality police for allegedly violating the country's strict dress code. The demonstrations evolved into demands for the overthrow of the ruling clerics, posing one of the most significant challenges to their four-decade rule.

The protests subsided after authorities launched a harsh crackdown that resulted in the deaths of over 500 protesters and the detention of nearly 20,000 others. Recently, the morality police resumed their campaign to enforce the mandatory headscarf, known as the hijab, for women.

Candidates vying for the 290-seat parliament have a week to pre-register online, which marks the initial step in a months-long process. However, all candidates must eventually gain approval from the Guardian Council, a 12-member clerical body, half of whom are directly appointed by the supreme leader.

In the lead-up to the previous elections in 2020, more than 7,000 candidates were disqualified, accounting for approximately half of those who attempted to run. The election witnessed the lowest turnout since 1979, with just over 42% of eligible voters participating.

Following the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the subsequent imposition of severe sanctions, Iran has been grappling with a profound economic crisis. The value of the currency has drastically declined, causing many Iranians to lose their life savings and leading to soaring prices. As a result, a significant portion of the population is preoccupied with meeting basic needs, leaving little energy for engaging in protests or political activities.

Iran's government, which had adhered to the terms of the nuclear deal before the U.S. withdrawal, is now rapidly advancing its nuclear program. It is openly surpassing the deal's restrictions on uranium enrichment and stockpiling, and it is constructing a new nuclear facility deep underground, likely making it impervious to U.S. weapons.