Ex-Iranian President Khatami Hails Reformism After Voting Abstention

Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami acknowledged that he "consciously" abstained from voting in last week's elections in Iran and expressed alignment with dissidents.

"This time, I've resolved that if I can't directly impact people's lives, I'll stand in solidarity with the numerous disheartened individuals who harbor the belief, deep within, that if there's a path forward, it lies in reformation," he said on March 6.

He hoped his action would help restore trust in the government and political movements, including that of reformists.

The news of Khatami's decision garnered mixed reactions on social media, with some praising his stance and others speculating about political motives.

Despite his opposition to regime change, Khatami's stance contrasts with the calls for reform by many government opponents, who have openly criticized Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's leadership.

Khamenei, on the other hand, continues to downplay protests and dissent in the country, attributing them to a "small minority influenced by foreigners."

The overall turnout in last week's elections plummeted to as low as 41 percent, marking a continued trend of public disengagement from electoral processes.

Many voters abstained from casting their ballots despite the Iranian authorities' call for people to participate in the elections.

The low turnout followed the controversial pre-election vetting process, which removed prominent reformist and moderate candidates.

The low participation rate represents a setback for the government, which has traditionally cited high voter turnout as evidence of the Islamic Republic's legitimacy.

Most of Iran's disgruntled and disenchanted voters skipped the March 1 elections to the parliament and the Assembly of Experts.

They see the process as a false display of democracy meant to validate a government that has not improved citizens' living conditions or personal freedom.