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IranElections2021

Apr 14, 2021

Iran’s botched handling of the coronavirus may impact June election

By Masoud Mostajabi

Given the economic uncertainty, unrest in the upcoming election season is possible. An excessive vaccination fee, rumors of nepotism as the vaccination programs roll out, black market distribution of vaccines, or distribution of fake vaccines could ignite a wildfire—especially under current circumstances.

Coronavirus Iran

IranElections2021

Apr 12, 2021

Iran’s June elections could consolidate hardline power before Khamenei succession

By Anonymous

For hardliners in Iran, the June 18 presidential election is less about choosing a new executive branch chief than about consolidating power centers before the time comes to choose Iran’s real ruler: the next Supreme Leader.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Apr 6, 2021

Ebrahim Raisi: Will he stay or will he go?

By Sanam Vakil

In calculating his next acts, Raisi’s decision will undoubtedly reveal his appetite for risk and further reward in Iran’s notoriously factionalized system.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Apr 2, 2021

Social media helps and hurts Iranian elections. Here’s how.

By Amir Rashidi

The internet has always been one of the most challenging issues for the Iranian government, especially during elections. Over the past three years alone, Iran has tried to meet this challenge on numerous occasions by shutting down the internet during nationwide protests or blocking popular apps and websites.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Mar 29, 2021

Why would anyone—including Mohammad Javad Zarif—want to be Iran’s president?

By John Limbert

Zarif might seem highly qualified to be president of Iran. However, it remains uncertain whether he has the temperament, the talent, and the stomach for the bear pit of electoral politics.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Mar 16, 2021

Larijani has credentials but not charisma as Iran’s presidential candidate

By Barbara Slavin

Ali Larijani is a veteran official in the Islamic Republic whose long service in a variety of key posts would make him a plausible—if not especially charismatic—candidate in Iran’s upcoming June 18 presidential elections.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Mar 5, 2021

Multiple elections could boost hardline victories in Iran

By Anonymous

There are no definite candidates yet in the reformist-moderate camp for obvious reasons—they are likely to lose. Unless there is a drastic change in the political or economic atmosphere that can guarantee a bigger turnout, the candidates of this camp do not have any chance of winning.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Mar 1, 2021

Saeed Mohammad: The young face of the IRGC weighing his political options

By Sina Azodi

Even if Saeed Mohammad does not run in the June elections, he will still remain an influential figure and a rising star within the IRGC cadre, who is likely to play a larger role within the Islamic Republic’s political establishment.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

IranElections2021

Jan 25, 2021

Iran’s hardliners think Biden might hurt their June presidential election strategy

By Saeid Jafari

Hardliners had hoped that Donald Trump’s re-election would help them to oust the reformist and moderate candidates in June’s presidential election. Now hardliners are concerned that the new US administration will destroy their plans.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Oct 15, 2020

Will Iran let a woman run for president in 2021?

By Raz Zimmt

With Iran's June 2021 presidential elections approaching, a perennial public debate over whether women have the right to run for president has resurfaced.

Iran Middle East