The recent Iranian elections have provided a lot for us to think about. While there is controversy surrounding the result, providing an example of why transparency and accountability is important in elections, Iran had a record turnout with about 40 million people, or 85% of the voting public, turning out the polls. In Iran, it seems there is a sense of urgency and duty in voting, a trend that is being mirrored in elections here at home with the youth vote increasing in the ’04, ’06 and ’08 elections.
In the unrest that has followed the election in Iran, we have been reminded what young people can do when partnered with technology. According to an article on The Australian, the Iranian government has blocked mobile phone networks and restricted access to certain websites. However, access to Twitter has not yet been restricted, allowing users to broadcast updates from the ongoing protests in the streets of Tehran. These tactics are often used by hard-line candidates to suppress young voter turnout, a group that favors more moderate candidates. In 2007, the voting age in Iran was raised from 15 to 18. Three weeks prior to this election Facebook, on which Mir Hossein Mousavi, Ahmedinejad’s moderate opponent, has nearly 50,000 supporters, was banned. After much criticism, the ban was quickly lifted. In the U.S., Twitter has even allowed many to voice their displeasure over the lack of coverage the movement is receiving from major cable news networks.
Despite conflicting results continuing to be reported, we remain hopeful that due diligence will be taken to count every vote cast. Iran can take a responsible step toward improved international relations simply by allowing the results of the election to be tabulated carefully and accurately, restoring the people’s voice. That is, after all, the singular and indivisible purpose of an election.
We’ll keep you updated on this story and what it means for young voters around the world, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates: http://twitter.com/RockTheVote.
-Michael, Political Research Department
Tags: censorship, elections, international elections, iran, voting rights
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