The Intelligence from The Economist A hardline act to follow: Iran’s presidential election
Jun 17, 2021
Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses the tightening grip of hardline clerics on Iran’s political landscape and the resulting voter disillusionment. Meanwhile, Natasha Loder, health policy editor, shares groundbreaking insights on monoclonal antibody therapies that significantly improve survival rates for severe COVID-19 patients. The conversation intertwines the state of Iranian democracy with advancements in healthcare, touching on the pressing need for effective treatments and the revival of cultural traditions.
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Iranian Election Farce
- Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, is urging citizens to vote in the presidential election.
- However, the election is seen as a farce due to the limited choices and theocratic power consolidation.
Lack of Free Choice
- The Iranian presidential election lacks free choice, with clerics holding significant power and candidates often disqualified.
- This election is particularly farcical due to the Guardian Council's vetting process, which removed serious challengers.
The Candidates
- Ibrahim Raisi, the favored candidate, is a hardliner with a controversial past, including involvement in mass executions.
- The other candidates are also hardliners or have presided over economic decline, further disillusioning the Iranian people.