Watching BBC News earlier today, I was struck by some key characteristics of the current Iranian election:
- The ruling elite selects the winner in advance and ensures that their selected candidate receives the most votes.
- To make sure of this, many popular opposition figures are barred from standing for office.
- The government also puts pressure on the media to suppress dissenting voices.
- However, the government does not exercise ultimate authority; on all major decisions, it defers to the dictates of a self-appointed higher power that tolerates no defiance.
- In the face of this situation, many citizens are becoming disillusioned with the prospects of achieving change through electoral politics and are not bothering to vote.
Now, where else in the world does this remind me of?
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