Iran's Elections See Record Low Turnout Amid Boycott Calls

Hard-liners secure most seats in a vote criticized for lack of fairness and freedom, marking a shift towards increased political conservatism.

Iran's recent elections for parliament and the Assembly of Experts saw a historically low turnout of 41%, amid widespread calls for a boycott and voter apathy.
Hard-liners, loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, won most seats, with the elections criticized as neither free nor fair due to the disqualification of many candidates.
The U.S. and other observers have questioned the credibility of the official turnout figures, with some estimates suggesting actual participation was significantly lower.
The elections mark a shift towards political conservatism, with hard-line factions gaining power and the potential for further erosion of reform prospects.
The Assembly of Experts, which may choose the next supreme leader, saw a significant change in its composition, highlighting the importance of these elections despite the low turnout.