Iran: Electoral campaign period begins ahead of parliamentary elections February 21 /update 1

Event

The electoral campaign period for the upcoming parliamentary elections began on Thursday, February 13, in Iran. During this period, an increase in political rallies and demonstrations, as well as associated transportation disruptions, is to be expected throughout the country, notably in the capital Tehran.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place across Iran on Friday, February 21, for which all 290 seats are being contested.

Due to rising tensions between the United States and Iran in Iraq over the last two months, issues surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly referred to as the Iranian nuclear deal, and several domestic issues including the state of the economy and anti-government protests, a lot is at stake. Protests are therefore likely, either at polling stations on the day of elections or several days leading up to the election. A heightened security presence is to be expected in the vicinity of any protest.

Context

Iranian state TV claimed Tehran fired "tens" of surface-to-surface missiles at two US bases in Iraq as revenge for the January 3 killing of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, was targeted in a US airstrike near Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on January 3. According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, Soleimani was "actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region." Iranian state TV claimed Tehran fired "tens" of surface-to-surface missiles at two US bases in Iraq as a response.

Further, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif announced on January 11 that a Ukrainian Airlines plane was shot down by a Revolutionary Guards missile, killing all 176 passengers onboard. This launched several days of anti-government protests due to the alleged coverup.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all large public gatherings as a precaution, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media.