https://shakeri.net/5226/coronavirus-iran-parliament-election/

In recent days, there were a lot of news in social media, about spreading Coronavirus in Iran. Some of them were reported by Heath Ministry officials. Though most of the news did not reflect in English version of Iranian news outlets; for a good reason: the whole story was for local consumption. Let me explain.

Current feeble government of president Rouhani botched everything so badly, that his approval rate dropped to around 7%. So the most expected thing was the parliament to impeach and disqualify him. But liberals and reformists have the majority in the current parliament, and they support Rouhani, no matter what.

This situation made most people to decide to participate in Today’s election, and vote for anyone, other than reformists; just to increase the chance of Rouhani’s ouster, as soon as possible. So Voter Turnout in today’s election was expected to be around 70% in poor provinces and cities, who consider Rouhani as the cause of their misery. In richer cities, like Tehran, reformists have a better chance to keep their footing. If the turnout is 70% or so, and conservatives win with 90% of votes, the damage for reformists is uncontrollable. But if voter turnout to be low, they can find an alibi to justify the loss.

Now comes Coronavirus into the picture

In cities, in which polls showed that reformists would lose badly, thwarting people from polling stations is the trick to control the damage; and the best way to force people to stay in their homes, is the rumor of a pandemic.

On the other hand, Iranian dissidents also use anything at their disposal, to thwart people from polling stations. So many groups are looking for a lower voter turnout, for different reasons.

It says “Touch the polling stamp, and you get infected by Coronavirus. Beware that it’s the best way to get infected, because everybody touches it”

Up to this point, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Dr. Namaki, reported that 5 persons are diagnosed with COVID-19, in the city of Qom and Arak.[1] But there are other reports about new diagnosed patients in Babol, Birjand, and Lahijan. Horror campaign is real: the government ordered all the schools to be shot in Qom for next saturday.

This two pictures are taken recently, from Firouzgar hospital in Tehran.

Personally, I expect the news about spreading coronavirus in Iran to end, after today’s election. Because it serves no purpose anymore.

[1] Three Coronavirus Cases in Iran, Health Officials Demand Halting Religious Gatherings

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2141206/three-coronavirus-cases-iran-health-officials-demand-halting-religious