Economist Podcasts A hardline act to follow: Iran’s presidential election
Jun 17, 2021
Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares his insights on Iran’s presidential elections, delving into the consolidation of hardline theocratic power and the disillusionment of voters facing limited choices. He discusses the implications for Iran's influence in the region under hardline leadership. Natasha Loader, the health policy editor, highlights a breakthrough in antibody therapy for COVID-19, demonstrating its potential to save lives. They also touch on the revival of Norway's traditional folk music, emphasizing cultural heritage in a modern world.
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Iranian Election Farce
- Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, is urging citizens to vote in the presidential election.
- However, the election is seen as a farce due to the disqualification of moderate candidates.
Limited Candidate Selection
- Nearly 600 candidates applied for the Iranian presidency, but only seven were approved by the Guardian Council.
- This limited selection removes any serious challengers to the regime's preferred candidate.
Candidates' Backgrounds
- The favored candidate, Ebrahim Raisi, has a controversial past, including involvement in mass executions.
- The only moderate candidate, Abdel Nasser Hamati, oversaw a significant decline in the Iranian rial.