Iranians are more worried about their tough living conditions than about picking the right candidate in upcoming elections.
In the minds of many voters, economic hardship is indeed the most burning issue as the country suffers under punishing international sanctions and rapid inflation.
Iranians will head to the polls for legislative and other elections on Friday, and candidates are promising them on campaign posters to “fight corruption” and “fix the economy.”
At Tehran’s storied Grand Bazaar, many shoppers are simply wandering the warren of aisles without buying anything, as prices have skyrocketed in recent years.
Many doubt that a quick solution is in sight -- among them 62-year-old retiree Aliasghari, who told AFP he wished the politicians would “stop the empty slogans.”
“The economic situation is extremely troubling,” said the pensioner walking through the labyrinthine market, who asked not to be fully named as he discussed the sensitive issue.
Citizens “are hearing a lot of fabrications and they have lost their trust in voting,” he said, adding that “none of my family members are willing to take part in the elections.”
Voters are due to pick new members of Iran's 290-seat legislature and the Assembly of Experts, a key body that appoints the country’s supreme leader.
As usual, Tehran's market is crowded with people of all ages and backgrounds in the weeks leading up to Nowruz.
However, they “just look at the prices and stalls without buying anything” because “the economic situation is causing serious worries,” according to Aliasghari.
Experts believe voter turnout could hit its lowest level in 45 years since the republic’s founding.
In the 2020 legislative elections, turnout was 42.57% nationwide, dropping to about 23% in Tehran, the country's largest electoral district with 30 out of 290 parliamentary seats.
Throughout Iran, the tough economic conditions have intensified political dissatisfaction.
A survey by Iranian state TV revealed that over half of Iranians aren't interested in voting, despite calls from top officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, urging everyone to participate.
But for many in Iran, with a population exceeding 85 million, the big worry is the soaring annual inflation, nearing 50%, along with rising prices and a weak currency.
