"Iran's Record-Low Turnout: Conservatives Dominate Parliament Despite Resistance Calls"

Despite officials' pleas and efforts to increase voter turnout, many Iranians boycotted the parliamentary elections as a protest against the government's oppressive rules, violent crackdowns on peaceful protests, and a faltering economy. Turnout in Tehran was estimated at 11 percent, and around 40 percent across the country, with calls for a widespread boycott gaining steam ahead of the vote. Ordinary Iranians, dissatisfied with existing political parties, heeded calls to stay home, with prominent activists and dissidents encouraging the boycott as a "moral duty."