As Iran’s parliamentary election draws near in March, the regime’s increasing efforts to manipulate the outcome and mislead the public have become more apparent.
High-ranking officials within the regime have expressed concerns about the election turning into a “referendum against the regime,” citing fears of another widespread uprising.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, on January 9, cautioned against dismissing the importance of elections, labeling such attitudes as the “strategic policy of the revolution’s enemies.” This statement was followed by an escalation in propaganda against the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), regarded by the regime as its primary threat. Mohammad Saeedi, the Friday prayer leader in Qom, emphasized the organization’s efforts to distance the public from participating in the elections.
Ahmad Khatami, a member of the Guardian Council, underlined the regime’s fear of the election’s potential to fuel unrest. On December 30, he cautioned that those who instigated previous turmoil aim to use the March 1st elections to challenge the regime’s democratic facade and call for a referendum against it.
Ebrahim Raisi, in a meeting with leaders of various political factions, stressed the importance of unity among these groups for the regime’s preservation. He highlighted that the unrest in the past year spared no political party or movement within the regime.
Mohammad Saeedi, the Friday prayer leader in Qom, dedicated his sermon on January 12 to warning against the PMOI’s influence, particularly among the youth.
Elias Hazrati, the editor-in-chief of the state-run Etemad newspaper, emphasized the need for unity among ruling factions to confront the PMOI. He recalled the regime’s historical reliance on public support to counter the PMOI’s threat. Hazrati also acknowledged the reduced public participation in recent years, exacerbated by specific events in 2022, highlighting the critical nature of the 2024 elections.
The state broadcaster IRIB has orchestrated debates with figures from various factions, focusing on protecting the regime from the PMOI and organized resistance. This approach includes admitting the regime’s failures. Adel Haddad, former Speaker of the Assembly of Experts, suggested that trials with evidence against PMOI members could help raise public awareness.
Despite publishing over 500 books and producing numerous films and documentaries against the PMOI, there’s a recognition of the public’s skewed perception of the organization.
This comprehensive propaganda campaign, spanning from Khamenei to all factions of the regime, aims to establish the PMOI as a common enemy. The regime’s primary objective in controlling the election outcomes is to consolidate power and address its crises, primarily the threat of uprisings. However, it increasingly appears that Khamenei is facing the likelihood of more uprisings, pushing him towards desperate measures to maintain control over the regime and counter the influence of the PMOI and other uprisings.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu