Nabz Elections Central 2021
On June 18, Iranians will go to the polls to elect a new president for a four-year term. While the presidential race understandably receives considerable attention domestically and internationally, Iranians also elect more than 127,610 fellow citizens to represent them on village, municipal and regional councils; they will also decide on representatives for six of the parliament seat (Majlis) and four seats of the Assembly of Experts in mid-term elections.
Elections are more than just one day and the casting of a ballot. They are part of an ongoing cycle by which citizens participate in the process of delivering a better quality of life, whether at the national, regional or local level. Such a process can only improve if citizens take part in all of its aspects. Genuine elections are a fundamental human right; when conducted properly they encourage popular engagement, accountability, and peaceful transfer of power. Even as one election passes, it begins another cycle and offers opportunities to improve the system.
Nabz-Iran has followed elections since 2013 and compiled a series of resources to encourage a more accountable system that involves and responds to citizens. See below to learn more and check back for new materials. What Were Past Results? Check here.
What were the results?
![]() A glimpse at the violations during the 2021 election in Iran |
![]() What happens when official data is incomplete? |
How Do Iranian Elections Work?
- Local Elections Primer
- Election Landscape Primer 2017
- Election Cycle Infographic
- Nabz Nameh - Government Structure
- Election Timeline Infographic
- Nabz Nameh - Campaign Financing
What Should Voters Think About?
- Why Participate?
- Selecting a Candidate
- What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Local Councils in Iran (Persian)
- What are the Opportunities for Women's Participation in the Process of Local Councils Elections in Iran? (Persian)
- Nabz Nameh - Women in Elections
- Five ways to Participate in the Elections Process Beyond Voting (Persian)
- How Citizens can Participate in the Elections Process: Before Election Day (Persian)
- I voted; What's Next? (Persian)
- How Citizens Can Participate in the Elections Process: After Election Day (Persian)
- How Can Citizens hold Local Authorities Accountable after the Elections? (Persian)
- Postcard from Belgrade: Democratic Election in Serbia: Video from 2000 Election
- Postcard from Belgrade: Democratic Transition and Government Accountability: Video of Serbia in 2000s
How Can Citizens Promote Accountability?
- Pollwatching Guide
- Pollwatching PowerPoint and Webinar recording (Persian)
- Secrecy of Ballot PowerPoint and Webinar recording (Persian)
- Secrecy of Ballot game
- Citizen Oversight of Elections course
- Elections Monitoring in Iran - Pocket Guide (Persian)
- Service Delivery Monitoring - Pocket Guide
Infographics
- Roles and Responsibilities of Local Councils in Iran
- Balance of Power in Iran: Elected vs. Unelected
- Calendar of the Presidential and City and Village Council Elections in Iran - 2021
Cartoons
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International Labor Day and the Elections in Iran
Candidate Registration for the Presidential Elections