The 2022 clashes against rulers in Iran have had a significant impact on young voters in the country and have influenced the upcoming presidential race. The memory of these protests continues to shape the outlook on governance and political participation for Iranian youth. Atousa, who participated in the protests, and Reza, a member of the hardline Basij militia, reflect the divisions that will affect the outcome of the elections. Atousa plans to abstain from voting, while Reza sees it as a religious duty to participate in the election.
All six candidates in the upcoming election have been targeting youthful voters through social media, recognizing their crucial role in Iran’s political future. However, many like Atousa feel disillusioned with the election process, referring to it as a “circus” and expressing a desire for the regime to be toppled. Calls for an election boycott have been growing, with hashtags such as #ElectionCircus being widely shared on social media platforms. The limited power of the president in Iran’s clerical system adds to the skepticism among citizens like Atousa.
For individuals like Atousa, the 2022 protests were a moment of hope for change and an end to suppression in the country. However, the crackdown on the demonstrations, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and arrests, shattered those hopes. Atousa’s dream of becoming an architect was also ended when she was expelled from university as a punishment for participating in the protests. The interference of the Basij, alongside security forces, played a significant role in suppressing the unrest and maintaining the authority of the regime.
Reza, on the other hand, views the protests in a different light and blames them for inviting pressure from Western countries through sanctions and accusations of human rights abuses. He believes that participating in the upcoming election is a religious duty that will strengthen the current system led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reza supports a hardline candidate who prioritizes economic self-sufficiency and cooperation with regional allies and powers like China and Russia.
The contrasting views of young Iranians like Atousa and Reza highlight the deep divisions within Iranian society and the struggle for political change. The outcome of the upcoming presidential election will be influenced by these differing perspectives and the impact of past events like the 2022 protests. The economic challenges faced by the country, including mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions, add another layer of complexity to the political landscape. Both Atousa and Reza, born after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, look back on the events of 2022 with a mix of regret, hope, and determination as they navigate their political futures in Iran’s evolving society.
