"Iran's Election Dilemma: Hardliners Tighten Grip Amidst Frustration and Low Turnout"

Iran began voting for a new parliament amid growing frustration over economic woes and restrictions on political and social freedoms. With heavyweight moderates and conservatives staying out of the race and reformists calling it an "unfree and unfair election," the contest is between hardliners and conservatives. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged high turnout, while activists and opposition groups are distributing hashtags calling the election a "sham." Many Iranians are disillusioned with the ruling clerics' ability to resolve economic hardships caused by U.S. sanctions, mismanagement, and corruption. The parliamentary election is twinned with a vote for the influential Assembly of Experts, which will choose Khamenei's successor.