15 Jun 2021 | 04:56 AM UTC
Iran: Presidential candidate supporters to hold rally in Tehran June 15
Presidential candidate supporters plan to hold rally in Tehran, Iran, June 15. Increased security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
Supporters of presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi plan to hold a rally at Azadi Stadium in Tehran from 18:00 June 15 to support his run in the upcoming elections. Hundreds to thousands of individuals are likely to attend the gathering.
Authorities will likely increase security to monitor the event. Large numbers of supporters will likely cause localized transport disruptions near Azadi Stadium through late June 15.
Context
Anti-graft polls suggest that Raisi is favored to win the elections June 18. Besides Raisi, six other approved candidates are campaigning for the presidency. The Guardian Council, which comprises of clerics and jurists appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, disqualified hundreds of candidates, mostly reformists. Thousands of Iranians have announced they would boycott the polls. Recent polls indicate that voter turnout will likely be around 38 percent, the lowest in Iran's history.
Advice
Avoid the rally as a standard security precaution. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow for additional time if traveling near the vicinity of Azadi Stadium June 15.
