Millions of Iranians are casting their votes in a tightly controlled snap election, taking place following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of President Ebrahim Raisi last month. With Iran facing a flagging economy, strained regional relations, and the potential influence of Donald Trump's policies, the country's leadership is seeking a high voter turnout to endorse their hard-line agenda.

Traditionally, Iranian leaders have viewed high turnout as a sign of legitimacy, and given the recent circumstances, it holds even greater importance in displaying continuity and stability after Raisi's untimely demise. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for "maximum" participation in the election, as witnessed by low turnout of 41% during the parliamentary elections held in March.

However, for many Iranians, the election is perceived as a mere formality that aims to maintain the illusion of democracy. Afshin Shahi, an associate professor in Middle East politics at England's Keele University, states that a vast majority of the populace no longer takes these elections seriously.

The election initially started with six candidates, carefully selected by a hard-line panel of clerics and jurists from a pool of 80 original applicants. This list was further narrowed down by Iran's Guardian Council, leading to four remaining candidates. Among them, three are considered hard-liners aligned with Supreme Leader Khamenei, including a cleric. In a surprising move, one comparatively progressive candidate, Masoud Pezeshkian, a cardiac surgeon and former health minister, has been allowed to run.

Pezeshkian has campaigned on the promise of improving relations with the West and renegotiating the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that curbed Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the election is not expected to bring about significant changes, as ultimate decision-making authority on state issues remains with Khamenei. Nonetheless, the president can influence foreign policy, economic decisions, and the social agenda within Iran.

Iran is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis, largely due to stringent global sanctions and international isolation. The reintroduction of sanctions following the United States' withdrawal from the nuclear deal has led to diminished revenues and worsening living standards for ordinary Iranians. Consequently, the economy has become the focal point of the election, with candidates emphasizing efforts to manage sanctions more effectively rather than proposing novel economic policies.

It is notable that no women are on the ballot, and no woman has ever been approved to run for president in Iran. However, the issue of women's rights and social freedom has gained significance following the death of a Kurdish Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, who died after being detained by the country's morality police. Women-led protests erupted throughout Iran, triggering a government crackdown. While all candidates have distanced themselves from violence and harsh punishments inflicted on women for not wearing the hijab, the topic is expected to remain relevant for voters.

Regional tensions have also come into play during this election, especially due to Iran's backing of Hamas in the Gaza Strip conflict. The situation has led to heightened tensions and even witnessed Iran directly attacking Israel for the first time. However, the outcome of the election is unlikely to alter this course, as the Supreme Leader recently affirmed that fundamental aspects of Iranian foreign policy, including support for militant groups and anti-Americanism, are unchangeable.

In addition to regional tensions, American politics have played a role in this election. Donald Trump's policies have been repeatedly mentioned during the campaign, with candidates factoring in a potential Trump victory and positioning themselves as capable of managing a more confrontational stance with the United States, as compared to President Joe Biden's administration.

As Iranians exercise their right to vote, the world watches with anticipation to see how this snap election will address the country's economic challenges, regional tensions, and potential shifts in its approach to international relations.