Iran's opposition grows as 89% demand democracy while regime falters

Iran has been witnessing a significant shift in public sentiments regarding its political system as a recent comprehensive survey conducted by GAMAAN revealed that a mere 20% of citizens wish for the Islamic Republic to remain in power. This drastic decline reflects a larger trend where support for the principles of the 1979 revolution and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has plummeted to 11%, down from 18% in the previous year. The polling results also elucidate demographic divides; with opposition strongest among the young, educated, and urban cohorts, highlighting societal dissatisfaction with the current regime. In contrast, rural support for the Islamic regime is comparatively higher, at 28%. However, 89% of Iranians expressed a preference for democracy, indicating a clear desire for change and improvement in governance. Yet, this quest for democracy is complicated by a notable inclination toward potential authoritarian leadership among a segment of the population, particularly found in less-educated and rural demographics. Several options for governance post-Islamic Republic are under consideration, with support for a secular republic at 26%, restoring the monarchy at 21%, and a significant portion of respondents remaining uninformed or indifferent about alternatives. Additionally, former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a leading figure for potential new leadership, having gained a notable 31% support in the survey. Amidst this backdrop, Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi emphasized the critical need for unity among opposition factions. Addressing the recent opposition conference held in Brussels, she refuted claims made by Khamenei about the event being a secret plot against the regime. Ebadi articulated that without unity, the disbanded factions, which range from monarchists to secular republicans, cannot hope to dismantle the clerical regime, which she firmly believes possesses no viable future, except for collapse. She pointed out that increased internal crises, aggravated by regional tensions, bolster the urgency of this unity. The chaotic political climate in Iran is further compounded by impending decisions on reinstating UN sanctions as negotiations between Iran and the Western powers continue, thereby establishing that the current regime is, indeed, under critical threat from both the internal dissent and international pressures.