Iranian voters hope for economic growth

Iranian voters are due to cast their ballots on Friday in the country’s first parliamentary elections after the implementation of a nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers.

I’m going to vote for parliament for the first time because I want to use my right to elect representatives I think are more qualified, and I want to play a role in forming the destiny of my country.

I believe elections in Iran are totally free and everyone can vote for his or her favourite candidates.

Since parliamentarians are representatives of people, I expect them to consider the living conditions, concerns and difficulties of people as the most important issues in their job.

At first, I had no intention to vote, but I later came to the conclusion that the participation of people in the 2013 presidential elections had a great impact, and because of the president people elected, the nuclear issue was solved.

Now, to elect an efficient parliament which is not politicised and works along with government, I will take part in elections. It would be better if there was a law banning candidates from spending wastefully and disrespecting each other.

The parliament is responsible for legislation and must set better laws in areas such as culture, politics, judiciary, economy, etc.

I voted for President Hassan Rouhani but I don’t want to vote this round, because I have no trust in the running candidates. Previous campaign promises have not been realised because of public deception. I am tired of political games.

I have not read election laws, but I believe that some circles of power and wealth have some influence in the outcome of the elections.

I expect the parliament to set grounds for economic growth, reduce unemployment, and prevent corruption.

I’m going to vote as I think it is the only way to have a say and influence in society.

Since President Rouhani’s government is holding the elections, I think it will be fair; however, we don’t have many choices left.

The issues the parliament must address are not separated from each other and are interrelated; political, economic and cultural development must happen together. But with the current situation, economic development and improvement of living conditions and flourishing businesses can be a priority.

In the presidential election, I voted for Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and I will participate in these elections because the reinforcement of the Islamic Republic is very important to me.

I don’t think the election system in Iran is fair, and it has a long distance to go to achieve justice. Since influence of power in elections is not easily seen, its unfairness is greater.

I expect the parliament to promote a meritocracy among officials, to put the country on the track of development.

I will vote on Friday because I see no reason for not voting; it might sound like a very stereotypical answer, but voting is the legal and religious duty of every person.

However, when it comes to execution of the law – not only in this particular round, but also in all elections – the laws are not well observed. In this round, we are witnessing illegalities by candidates who are not ordinary people, and they used to have high-ranking positions. They are supposed to know the regulations better than all, but they don’t follow the rules.

I expect representatives to abide by the rules and set rules which are executable and helpful for the people. I want them to help resolve basic problems with unemployment, marriage and housing.