Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Nourmifidi in an Interview with IRNA: Elections Are an Arena for Exercising Rights and Fulfilling Duties

• The inherent function of elections is to pave the ground for the circulation of elites; therefore, the foundation must be prepared for the entry of all perspectives into this arena.

• Turning away from the ballot box is not the solution. Our recommendation is active participation in the elections.

• The most significant negative impact of the immoral behaviors of candidates is the injection of ethical misconduct into society.

• The economic and livelihood pressures currently imposed on the shoulders of the people are the most crucial issues for which the respected candidates must present precise plans.

On Wednesday, in an interview with an IRNA reporter, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Nourmifidi added: “Participation in elections is important in all periods. Regardless of elevating the status of the Islamic Republic, this issue carries demonstrative, promotional, and reflective dimensions.”

Stating that participating in the elections is the fulfillment of a religious and national duty arising from the responsibility of an Iranian Muslim, he added: “Such a duty must be fulfilled. The right to participate in elections is also among those rights that, if a person does not exercise them, does not merely inflict a loss upon the individual, but carries significant social consequences.”

Referring to the fact that the inherent function of elections is the circulation of elites, he continued: “Elections provide a platform for elites and those in charge of affairs to rotate, allowing them to apply their diverse plans and perspectives across different arenas.”

He noted: “On the other hand, elections provide a platform for the expression and manifestation of thoughts, ideas, and capabilities, which causes hopelessness to depart from society.”

According to him, these changes and rotations shaped through the aid of elections pave the way for the entry of the new, young generation.

He further stated that the motivations of individuals who oppose participating in the elections vary, saying: “There have been groups since the beginning of the Revolution who fundamentally had no relation with this system, and considered any participation in elections as an endorsement of the system, thus opposing it from the start.”

He noted that some also believe their vote has no effect, adding: “In previous periods, these individuals were hopeful of improvements in their lives and wanted to have better livelihoods, more welfare, and fewer problems.”

He asserted: “In any period, if the people participate in a unified and strong manner, and choose the best candidate among those nominated in terms of planning, thinking, foresight, and vision, conditions will improve.”

He noted: “Of course, I believe that some of the individuals who do not intend to participate in the elections perhaps assume that there is no one among the candidates who represents their way of thinking.”

The seminary professor added: “Therefore, the officials must devise a plan so that in all elections, once the minimum legal conditions are met by the candidates, different tastes and perspectives can represent the various thoughts of the people and be present. This issue can play an active role in the presence of the people at the ballot boxes.”

Referring to the fact that protests were also raised in the recent elections, but turning away is not the solution, he stated: “If a person does not find the ideal conditions and thus refrains from participating and voting, it does not help solve the problem. Indeed, it may bring the demands of the enemy, or those who have no affinity with Iran and the Revolution, closer to their goals.”

He stressed: “Boycotting the ballot box is indefensible, and individuals can choose the most qualified (aslah) option from among the qualified candidates.”

The First Negative Effect of the Immoral Behaviors of Candidates is the Injection of Such Conduct into Society

Ayatollah Nourmifidi also referred to electoral and political misconduct, saying: “We have experienced certain immoral, non-religious, or anti-moral and anti-religious behaviors in past years. Our religious and ethical teachings fully remind us that in such arenas, good and unseemly behaviors can serve as a classroom for the people, whose teachers are these individuals, and they can train their students well or poorly.”

He added: “The first and most important negative effect of non-Shari’ah and immoral behaviors during these days is the injection of this bad ethics into society. That is, when society is confronted with such behaviors from those who claim they want to occupy the source of affairs and make decisions, the ugliness of these behaviors is stripped away in the eyes of the people and becomes public behavior.”

He added: “The individuals who wish to enter the arena of elections should consider how some of their words and behaviors might create a certain temperament in a city or a group.”

According to the Qom Seminary professor, unseemly behaviors, in addition to intensifying grudges and weakening affection and kindness, also weaken cooperation and empathy. Furthermore, as a Muslim society, we are subject to the judgment of other nations and countries, and this can bring disrepute to Islam and Shi’ism.

He asserted: “Aside from the existential consequences (athar wad’i) that these behaviors carry for individuals and the nation, and the spiritual problems they create, they also deprive us of blessings.”

Emphasizing that everyone must strive to the extent of their share to strengthen hope and encouragement among the people, he said: “The current conditions, the economic and livelihood pressures placed on the shoulders of the people, and the sensitive conditions of the region must draw our attention to this important matter: to strengthen empathy, unity, and solidarity among the nation.”

Nourmifidi, emphasizing that no nation reaches its goals except through solidarity and gathering together, continued: “The country’s problems are so extensive and the work is so great that it seems a single group or faction cannot carry these tasks alone.”

He expressed hope: “In the upcoming elections, those who are worthy and suitable for this nation will be elected.”