Khatami: I consciously and honestly did not vote so that I would not lie to anyone

A few days before the elections, I mentioned that everyone speaks of the people, and I added that when we say "the people," we mean the more than fifty percent who did not participate in the last two elections, as well as the millions who expressed their dissatisfaction with their protest votes, which were deemed invalid. In the recent election, we also observed that the percentage of those who did not vote and the number of invalid votes were higher than in previous elections.

This does not mean that those who participated in the elections are not part of the people. The people are all the diverse and vibrant sections of what we call the Iranian nation, whom I hold in deep respect.

This time, I decided that if I cannot do something for the people, I would join and resonate with the many dissatisfied individuals who deeply believe that if there is a path to salvation, it lies in reforming the situation.

I consciously and honestly did not vote so that I would not lie to anyone.

While I do not oppose meaningful elections as a source of strengthening the power and sovereignty of the nation, national security, and restoring public trust, I view not voting in the current unfavorable conditions as another form of voting in a situation that is even relatively favorable for elections.

I hope that by not voting under these circumstances, we can somewhat restore the damaged trust of the people in the government and political movements, including reformism (which extends beyond the circle of official reformists).

Today's vital need for the country is to restore social capital and move toward a kind of reconciliation between the government and the people to save the country from threats and crises.