Iran's snap presidential election got underway, while citizens on social media reported low voter turnout across the country, contradicting claims made by state media.
Eyewitness accounts describe polling stations as "extremely quiet and silent" well into Friday afternoon. In some cities, participation appears to be even lower than in recent parliamentary elections.
Former MP Mahmoud Sadeghi reported on social media that turnout at his local polling station was "much lower than expected" when he voted Friday morning.
In Saqqez, the hometown of Jina Mahsa Amini, whose death sparked protests in 2022, a local journalist observed participation levels below those seen in parliamentary elections.
Reports from Zahedan in Sistan and Baluchistan province suggest minimal participation, limited primarily to those with direct ties to the government.
Videos published on social media across Kurdistan show largely empty polling locations in the region.
Iran opened polls on Friday for its 14th presidential election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.
