Monday, February 26, 2024
We, the undersigned, express our collective decision not to participate in the 2024 parliamentary elections of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our boycott stems from a deep conviction that the span of public engagement in Iran should extend well beyond casting votes in an election.
The leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran must understand that our entitlement to rights and freedoms transcends the confines of election day. We advocate for freedom of assembly, free political parties and organizations, an unencumbered media, and the liberty to engage in political activities without dreading governmental retribution or being wrongfully charged with "conspiracy against national security." The country's intellectual and political climates should embrace civil activists and dissenting perspectives.
We refuse to ignore the harsh realities of the political landscape, exemplified by the tragic events of Bloody Friday in Zahedan and Khash and the prevailing climate of intimidation and suppression in Baluchistan, which starkly illustrates the state of political oppression. The continuous persecution, execution, and wrongful killing of Baluch citizens who simply demand their fundamental needs and rights are undeniable.
In a context lacking in social, personal, and political freedoms, alongside an absence of a free press and media, the notion of conducting fair and democratic elections mocks the collective conscience of the populace. How can a democratic process be deemed valid when the voices of critics and those who dissent are systematically suppressed and excluded from the dialogue?
We refuse to partake in the proceedings of a government tainted by the blood of our martyrs, a government responsible for the deaths of Khodanoor, Mona, Hasti, and Mohammad Iqbal, among others. Our commitment to the pursuit of freedom is unwavering. By boycotting these elections, we reject the legitimacy of a regime that infringes upon the fundamental rights of its people.
We call upon all Baluch citizens, groups, organizations, institutions, and activists to stand with us in boycotting the forthcoming elections in Baluchistan. Together, let us convey a potent message that we will not be silenced until our voices are acknowledged, our rights are upheld, and justice prevails.
List of initial signatories:
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Baluchistan People's Party
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Rasank: Baluch news media
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Shivar News: media of the Baluch people
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Baluch Zalbulani Zarambash (Baluch Women's Movement)
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Rahim Bandoui: a member of the Central Council of Baluchistan People's Party
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Mohammad Osman Damani: independent political activist
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Abdullah Aref: human rights activist
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Fariba Baluch: human rights activist
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Hossein Thori: former head of the Iranian Boxing Federation
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Masoud Raisi: editor at Rasank
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Mohsen Borhanzehi: human rights activist
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Iraj Irandoost: human rights activist
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Fariba Borhanzehi: human rights activist
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Laebeh Aram: writer and women's rights activist
در جمهوری اسلامی انتخابات نمایشی و دروغین است.