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Iranwire – A coalition of Iranian student organizations and activists has announced that they will boycott the upcoming parliamentary elections, saying they want fundamental changes in the country.
In a statement on February 26, they declared that they would only vote for “the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and the victory of the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution.”
“We have spoken on the streets and stated firmly that we aim to dismantle the Islamic Republic that restricts freedom,” the statement reads, adding that “boycotting the elections is not enough for us.”
The activists said that the Islamic Republic is struggling for “its own survival” while Iranians strive for its demise, as the government has created “inhumane conditions for millions.”
The signatories hail from universities across the country, including in Tehran, Ahvaz, Isfahan and Ardabil.
Elections for the parliament are scheduled for March 1 along with voting to fill the Assembly of Experts, with hundreds of would-be candidates disqualified by the hardline Guardian Council.
Voter turnout in the 2020 parliamentary elections was at its lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution at just over 42 percent.
Earlier this week, nearly 300 political, social and cultural figures in the country publicly denounced the “staged” upcoming elections and called for Iranians not to participate in the vote.
In a joint statement, the signatories condemned the “deadlock of reforms,” the “complete elimination of critics,” and the “widespread disqualification of candidates.”
