The bizarre case of 'blank votes' in Iran's elections - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Sarbas Nazari

Sarbas Nazari

Jul 6, 2021

Supporters of Iranian ultraconservative presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi carry a poster bearing his picture as they attend a rally in the capital, Tehran, on June 16, 2021, ahead of the Islamic Republic's June 18 presidential election. — Supporters of Iranian ultraconservative presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi carry a poster bearing his picture as they attend a rally in the capital, Tehran, on June 16, 2021, ahead of the Islamic Republic's June 18 presidential election. — ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Former Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani registers at the elections registration office in Tehran on May 31, 2024, ahead of the country's election of a new president next month.

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A correspondent in Tehran

A correspondent in Tehran

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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during Friday prayers in Tehran September 14, 2007. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl/File Photo - RTX2FG6B

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An Iranian woman walks past banners of ultraconservative cleric and presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi, in Tehran, on June 17, 2021, on the eve of the Islamic republic's presidential election.

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Al-Monitor Staff

Al-Monitor Staff

An Iranian woman casts her vote at a polling station in Tehran during Iran's presidential election on June 28, 2024.

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A correspondent in Tehran

A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics