Campaigning and rallies: how Iran is preparing for the country’s presidential elections

Iran is preparing for presidential elections. The extraordinary campaign is being carried out a little more than a month after the death of Ebrahim Raisi. This Friday the republic will decide on the head of the executive branch. Moreover, the election race follows all the laws of the genre – with rallies of many thousands, fiery speeches to supporters. True, national motives are also present in this political struggle. Alexey Poltoranin was convinced of this personally.

Hiding from the scorching Iranian sun, in the depths of the houses, Rahmad plays traditional music for the people. Today is an Islamic holiday in the country. He will also appear with the violin on Friday, when early presidential elections begin.

“I’ll go vote, 100%. Because I’m Iranian!” – said Tehran resident Rahmad.

Images of candidates are on lampposts, facades of houses, some did not skimp on campaigning – at the intersection there are more than 20 portraits of the current speaker of parliament, Mohamed Bagher Ghalibaf. Until the evening, committees work in the city, that’s what campaign headquarters are called here.

“This is Masoud Pezeshkian, a presidential candidate and former minister of health and medical education of the country.”says Mohamed Shirini, secretary of the presidential candidate’s campaign committee.

The task of presidential candidates now is to attract as many supporters as possible; one of the candidates gathers residents in the square at the end of the working day.

People chant “Mr. Jalili.” Everyone is waiting for him on stage, everything is ready. Microphones from various television companies are on display.

But before the performance there is a traditional reading of the Koran, and in honor of the Islamic holiday, cooling sherbet is distributed. Said Jalili, the representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran in the Supreme National Security Council, begins a speech about the life of the country under sanctions.

“We have been under sanctions for 45 years, and we would not have done anything ourselves if people did not participate in all areas of the country.”,” said Iranian presidential candidate Said Jalili.

They have long learned to avoid bans in Iran: many people have American iPhones, there are cars of their own production on the roads, and you can find anything you want in local bazaars. And for any wallet. For example, Chinese Nikes.

Another favorite topic of candidates’ campaign speeches is the development of relations with other countries. Executive Vice President of Iran in an interview “Izvestia” talks about cooperation in the field of trade and security.

“Some states looked to the West, under Raisi this changed, and we want to strengthen our relations with the countries that are in our region, as well as with China and Russia.”,” said Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohsen Mansouri.

Trade turnover between Iran and China increased by 37%, and with Russia in the first quarter of this year – almost doubled. We give them grain and wood. They are fruits, nuts, and building materials for us.

Entrepreneur Morteza Miri hopes that he will soon begin sending carpets to Russia, but this requires a unified payment system. The Iranian is confident that, despite the high price, there will be a buyer from Russia for his goods. This is completely handmade. A true symbol of Persian culture.

“The price depends on the design, on the technique. Usually they are made by women. Someone works with your companies – they buy carpets. In Russia they are very interested in our carpets. In the West there is less demand”,” said Morteza Miri, Chairman of the Iranian Culture and Crafts Commission.

Morteza, like other Iranians, expects an improvement in their lives from these elections. Everything will be decided this Friday – on Thursday there is a day of silence in the country. The choice ahead is difficult. After all, most of the candidates have the same trump card in their hands – they are all ready to continue the policies of the deceased President Ebrahim Raisi.