Kayhan Newspaper Slams Elections in Bahrain, but in Reality Describes Elections in Iran

Few Iranian media outlets show as much concern for the cause of democracy in Bahrain as Kayhan newspaper, which recently dedicated a column to the country’s parliamentary elections. But most Iranian readers may recognize the pseudo-democracy of the Islamic Republic when reading about the target of Kayhan’s affection. Just as remarkable are statements from the Iran-based Bahraini opposition and Iran’s reformist media, who demand free elections in Bahrain but remain silent on unfree elections in Iran.  

• November 9: Bahraini Khalas Movement Secretary General Abdul Raoof Al-Shayeb said, as quoted by Iran Press: “The Bahraini nation demands freedom to decide its destiny and its rulers according to a constitution approved by the nation.” 
• November 11: “The election is a theatrical comedy. All groups are opposed to the so-called election, for example Sheikh Abdullah Al-Daqaq, the Qom-based director of the Bahraini Theological Seminary,” Kayhan newspaper wrote and continued: “Al-Daqaq said on November 10: ‘Most Bahrainis talk of boycotting the election, while the regime insists on organizing it.’” According to Kayhan, Al-Daqaq nevertheless urged the Bahraini population to “boycott” the elections, claiming: “The Bahraini regime is trying to appear democratic, and the boycott questions the importance and legitimacy of the regime. It shows the world that this has nothing to do with democracy and the vote of the people.” Quoting anonymous online sources, Kayhan further claimed, “Riyadh has accommodated a request by the Kingdom of Bahrain to deploy 1,500 special operation forces in Bahrain in case of reactions during or in the immediate aftermath of the election.” 
• November 12: Reformist Shargh newspaper dismissed the elections in Bahrain as “theatrical.” 

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