Iran’s Election Committee has officially ruled out the use of electronic voting machines for the upcoming presidential elections.
The decision was announced today, confirming that the elections scheduled for June 28 will be conducted exclusively using paper ballots.
According to Mohsen Eslami, the spokesperson for the Iranian Election Committee, both the Guardian Council and the Ministry of Interior concluded that electronic voting machines will not be utilized in the forthcoming presidential elections.
He emphasized that the elections will be conducted with paper ballots only, ensuring a traditional voting process without the involvement of any electronic devices.
In an interview with Tasnim News Agency, Eslami reiterated that the fourteenth presidential election in Iran will be semi-electronic, involving paper ballots for voting and no use of electronic ballot boxes.
This decision aims to maintain the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Six candidates are running for the post of president in Iran, namely Saeed Jalili, Alireza Zakani, Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Masoud Pezeshkian.
In preparation for the elections, Tasnim News Agency reported that national media outlets have planned to hold five debates, each lasting four hours, to be broadcast on a single television channel.
This is an increase from the originally planned three televised debates. This expanded format will provide each presidential candidate with more opportunities to present their platforms and engage with voters.
The exclusion of electronic voting machines is a significant move, reflecting the Iranian authorities’ preference for a more traditional voting system.
This decision comes amidst broader discussions on election security and the integrity of voting processes globally. The upcoming presidential elections in Iran will be closely watched, with the chosen format aimed at ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.
