Polls close in Iran’s presidential election; witnesses report low turnout

"'In spite of the low participation numbers, [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei has been relatively successful in creating the illusion of false competition inside the country for an external audience,' Kasra Aarabi, of United Against Nuclear Iran, told VOA.

The U.S. says Iran’s elections are not free or fair because its rulers disqualify candidates who are not sufficiently loyal to Khamenei.

Aarabi said there is 'no meaningful difference' between Pezeshkian and Jalili 'because all strategic policy is determined by Khamenei.'"