The memories of the 2022 clashes against rulers in Iran continue to shape the upcoming presidential race, particularly for young voters. All six candidates in the race have targeted youth voters through social media, recognizing their role in Iran’s political future. The memory of the 2022 protests continues to influence Iranian youth, shaping their outlook on governance and political participation. This has created a divide among young Iranians like Atousa and Reza, whose political views remain at odds and will have an impact on the outcome of the upcoming election. Atousa, who joined protests against the rulers in 2022, now regards the election with derision and plans to abstain from voting. On the other hand, Reza, a member of the hardline Basij militia, intends to vote, highlighting the division among supporters and opponents of the Islamic Republic.
The six presidential candidates, five hardliners and one low-key moderate approved by a hardline watchdog body, have been actively campaigning to attract young voters. With 60% of Iran’s 85 million population being under 30, social media has been a crucial tool for reaching this demographic. However, many young Iranians like Atousa view the election as a circus and want to see the regime toppled. The hashtag #ElectionCircus has gained traction on social media as some Iranians have called for a boycott of the election. Under Iran’s clerical system, the president’s powers are limited by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on major issues such as nuclear and foreign policy.
For many women and young Iranians, the 2022 protests were a turning point that led to a significant show of opposition against Iran’s clerical rulers. Atousa, who was a student at the time, took part in the protests but was later expelled from university as a punishment. The use of deadly force by security forces, including the Basij, resulted in over 500 deaths and thousands of arrests during the unrest. Despite the crackdown, some Iranians like Reza believe in the necessity of voting as a religious duty to strengthen the system. Reza, who supports a hardline candidate that aligns with Khamenei’s policies, aims to promote economic self-sufficiency and strengthen ties with regional neighbors to combat the economic challenges facing Iran.
The economy in Iran has been plagued by mismanagement, state corruption, and sanctions imposed since the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear pact in 2018. Reza attributes the mounting pressure on Iran to the 2022 protests, which led to sanctions on Iranian security forces and officials accused of human rights abuses. While Reza regrets the protests for their impact on Iran’s international standing, Atousa looks back on that period with sadness, hoping for change that never materialized. Despite paying a heavy price for her participation in the demonstrations, Atousa remains disillusioned with the regime. The differing views of young Iranians like Atousa and Reza reflect the broader divisions within the country between those who support and oppose the current regime.
As Iran prepares for the upcoming presidential election to choose a successor to Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash, the memories of the 2022 protests continue to influence political discourse in the country. The division among young voters like Atousa and Reza highlights the complexities of Iran’s political landscape and the challenges facing the next president. With social media playing a key role in engaging young voters, the outcome of the election will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Iran’s political dynamics. Amid calls for a boycott and growing discontent with the regime, the upcoming election will be a pivotal moment for Iran and its young population who are pushing for change.