Kamangir (Archer)

Today, three elections were held in Iran, for city councils, experts’ council, and midterm parliamentary elections, in a few districts. As it was expected, the Iranian blogsphere was passionately following the news (see) (see). While the major point of discussion was whether or not to vote, I think we, Iranians, are missing the point. Nobody claims that the Iranian elections are free and without any level of fraud. But, I am afraid what we satisfy ourselves with, as a more or less fair election, is still hugely a show, and not really democratic.

In the event of an election, the national television devotes its broadcast to the regarding news. These “news” are majorly about this political figure’s participation in the election, or the length of the line in that voting center. Like the structure of the political system, everything starts with the supreme leader. He is always one of the first to vote, with one exception which was a big story for itself. His voting process is always shown in the national television, at the end of which he gives a short speech remembering everyone of their Islamic-nationalistic obligations. Then, the president and others do their part.

A shrine-mosque in Shiraz.

Praying before voting.

The conduct of the elections incorporates certain practices, which we Iranians are really used to, and thus we are unable to see the essence of what is happening. First of all, many voting centers are established inside mosques. Knowing that there are active Basij cores in almost every mosque, the elections easily slip into the territory of Basij. Then, as the supreme leader also always keeps insisting, elections are always assumed to carry religious importance. Thus, it is very common to see people who vote, not because they are a citizen, but because they hate to go to hell, and I have personally seen such people. For them, it is only an obligation to vote, and thus many of them ask the next person, frequently an election officer, to fill out their ballot, something clearly illegal but hugely practiced. And I have not even mentioned other types of fraud done in every election by Basij members, including filling out ballots in large numbers for void persons, illegal advertisement for the candidates, etc. The big question is, why do we vote where some worship? Would it be reasonable to hold elections in washrooms, for example, just because that’s a vital part of our daily life? I am afraid this sort of intentional confusion is a basic part of Iranian life.

The election, and actually everything, is carried out under the holy supervision of the dead and the alive supreme leaders. To my understanding, that means they are a fixed part of the system. In other words, the range of changes an election can bring about is far beyond questioning their leadership. It is funny, but I do not remember even being asked about their rule in my life.

Mr Khatami votes where Khomeini used to give speech. The furniture kept under white blankets is his seat, and they keep telling idolatry is a sin.

In Iran, ballots are collected in handwritten in boxes, most of which are placed in voting centers. However, there are mobile boxes to collect votes in hospitals and prisons. Another application of mobile boxes is to collect top clerics’ votes. The small blue texts on the boxes read “supreme Ayatolahs’ houses”. We keep saying that we have a democracy in Iran. I don’t remember anyone bringing a box to my house.

And after the super-citizens vote, the national television interviews them and asks them for their advice to the nation. Again, I do not remember ever voting that I like to know these guys’ idea about anything.

After Khatami’s huge number of votes, they increased minimum age for voting. Then, it was again decreased before Ahmadinejad was “elected”. Do I even have to mention how silly that is?

And, yes, we do have election-time soap opera. The national television interviews a newlywed couple participating in the elections.

People giving their ballots to their kids, to cast. If I was a ten-year-old girl being bombarded by the national television about the glorious practice of voting, I would cry until I was allowed to participate in the “game”. I am afraid it is nothing more than a game, even for the adults.

So, Iranians vote, for very different reasons. There is always the rumor that if you do not vote you might be kicked out of the school or that your food coupon may not be renewed. There are many people who buy the religiousness or try to make a change. We all vote, as I did a few times too.

And he is there, with his black turban, enjoying the silly show. The text on the green sheet reads “people’s vote determines everything”, by Khomeini.