Iran holds first elections since mass protests

Iran held its first elections since the mass protests that erupted across the country. The protests, which began in late 2019, were sparked by a rise in fuel prices and quickly turned into widespread demonstrations against the government.

The elections were seen as a test for the government’s legitimacy and ability to address the concerns of the protesters. Despite calls for boycotts from opposition groups, voter turnout was reported to be high, with millions of people casting their ballots.

President Hassan Rouhani hailed the elections as a success, saying that they showed the strength of Iran’s democracy. However, critics have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the elections, citing reports of voter intimidation and restrictions on opposition candidates.

The results of the elections are expected to have a significant impact on the future direction of Iran’s government and its relations with the international community. As the country continues to grapple with economic challenges and unrest, these elections will be closely watched by observers around the world.