Factors Affecting the Level of Political Participation of Tehran Citizens in the Iranian Presidential Election

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the level of political participation among citizens of Tehran in the Thirteenth Presidential Election of Iran. This election experienced a substantial decline in voter turnout, with participation in Tehran falling to approximately 26 percent. The study employed a survey research design and utilized a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to a sample of 384 Tehran citizens selected through stratified random sampling from five municipal districts. The findings derived from structural equation modeling indicated that the most important and strongest determinant of political participation was trust in the electoral process (path coefficient = 0.642). Furthermore, the variables of religious beliefs, electoral system reforms, use of media and social networks, age, and education had positive and statistically significant effects on political participation. In contrast, economic conditions and income did not demonstrate significant direct effects. The variable of residential district exhibited a negative effect, indicating that residents of the deprived southern and eastern areas of Tehran participated less than residents of the northern and central districts. The research model explained 71 percent of the variance in political participation. Overall, the results suggest that the decline in participation in the election under study was primarily attributable to citizens’ distrust of the integrity, transparency, and impartiality of the electoral process rather than solely to economic difficulties. Therefore, rebuilding public trust through structural reforms in the electoral system—particularly by enhancing transparency and impartial oversight—as well as paying special attention to younger generations and residents of disadvantaged areas, appears essential for increasing participation in future electoral cycles.