IRGC Chief Pleads For Votes As Regime Fears Record Low Election Turnout

Speaking ahead of the parliamentary election on March 1, IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami said: "Each vote is like a missile being fired at the heart of the enemies."

Speaking at the burial site of former IRGC Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani in Kerman, he said: "Today, the votes make the enemy hopeless and give hope to the people and the revolutionary front."

Salami's comments come amidst ongoing international concern over Iran's missile program. While Iran defends its development and testing of ballistic missiles as defensive measures, critics, particularly the United States and its allies, view the program as a threat to regional stability and security.

The IRGC, deeply involved in Iran's missile program, faces increased scrutiny and condemnation from the international community.

Iran is gearing up for parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections amid both domestic anticipation and international scrutiny. However, concerns loom over low voter turnout.

One factor is disillusionment among certain segments of the population with the political process and the perceived lack of genuine choice within the electoral system. Many Iranians, particularly the young, express frustration with what they see as limited options and believe that their participation in the electoral process may not yield meaningful change.

Economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and inflation, have also contributed to widespread discontent among Iranians. Despite official promises, economic conditions for have remained stagnant or worsened over time, fuelling a sense of alienation from the political establishment.