TEHRAN: Iranian newspapers voiced concern on Sunday about the potential turnout for next month’s presidential poll, a day after candidate registration ended with several heavyweights joining the race.

The reformist press was particularly worried, arguing that a low turnout would favour the conservative camp as in legislative elections last year.

On the streets of Tehran, residents openly said they have more important everyday matters to contend with.

“Everything has become more expensive, the rent, food, chicken, meat... We are renters with no income. Who should we vote for? Who can we trust?” asked housewife Fatemeh in Khorassan square.

According to the election committee, close to 600 hopefuls including 40 women have registered for the June 18 vote to elect a successor to moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2021