Religious minorities vote in elections

At Saint Sarkis Cathedral, the main Armenian Apostolic church in Tehran, there was a high turnout by Christians, all lining up in a long orderly queue to cast their votes.

Armenians, from all walks of life, were patiently waiting in line to get to the ballot box.

Among the crowd was a mother with her two young children, her 7-year-old boy and her 18-year-old girl, Erika, who has just come of age. Erika was excited to be among the voters for the first time to practice her right to vote. “It feels good to be here,” she told the Tehran Times.

Elsewhere in the queue to the ballot station, was a senior Armenian citizen, Havanes Aslanian, who could barely stand on his two feet and his only company was his cane in hand.

Reasoning why he was there to vote, the 76-year-old Aslanian simply put it, “I am Iranian national and going back 7 generations my ancestors lived and died in this land.”

He then asked that the future Armenian parliamentarian “to be a good human being … and work for the people.”

Seza Tamrazian, 85, another elderly voter in the crowd, called it her duty to participate in the election.

“Even if things change, it won’t matter to me. I am too old, but regardless I felt it is my responsibility to take part in election.”

The Tehran Times also got to speak to the Church’s Archbishop, Sebouh Sarkissian, on the occasion.

Sarkissian, of Syrian origin, said that although he couldn’t vote in Iran’s election, he has always encouraged people to take part.

The archbishop noted that the election is of high importance to the large Armenian community in Iran.

“Iranian-Armenian voters are here to show to the world that they can freely practice their duties in the Iranian society.”

Archbishop Sarkissian hoped the “right candidate” takes the seat in the next Parliament.

Four Armenian candidates, approved by the Guardian Council, ran for the parliament, out of which one will win a seat on behalf of the Armenian minorities in Iran.

One of the Armenian candidates was Karen Khanleri, who currently represents the Armenian community in the Majlis.

Khanleri said the Majlis plays an important role in Iran. “It manages and supervises the country’ affairs.”

He further explained that post-sanctions Iran is in a new phase of “interaction with the outside world” and therefore the country needs proper management.

“I also like to contribute to the management of the country at this important juncture."

This report was first published in Tehran Times.

LR