The key questions among many people since the Iranian Presidential election is, “How do you count almost 40 million handwritten paper ballots in a matter of hours and declare a winner?” Some say it can’t be done, and in an effort to promote democracy and equality for their country, members of the local Iranian community of Oklahoma held a “Peace Vigil for Iran” at the American Muslim Association of Oklahoma City (AMA-OKC) in northwest Oklahoma City.
“We all know that there was not enough time for them to count the more than 38 million hand-written ballots,” said Marjan Seirafi-Pour, a resident of Norman who has been in America for more than 15 years. Seirafi-Pour is a dual resident who also cast her vote in this election. “We are here at this vigil so we remember those who lost their life fighting for freedom,” added Seirafi-Pour.
“We also want freedom of the press for Iranian and all other reporters. Currently, they can not do their job and the rest of the world is blocked from the reality of what is going on there. Internet and cell phones may only be on for a few hours and they stop the satellite transmissions. We want to make their voices heard; no one can hear them,” she continued.
Another young man present at the vigil was 18 year old Kamran Rabii. “We see after the election that they cheated,” says Rabii. “We feel our vote did not count. We want to help our people and help our country, so we are here to hold this vigil in hopes they will know their family and friends in America are supporting them and their freedom.” Rabii was born near Tulsa but spent 14 years in Iran until he moved to Oklahoma City with his family.
“Ahmadinejad is not our President,” adds Rabii. “He just tries to get his way by saying lies to get elected while we die for freedom.” Those participating in the rally wore black with green scarves to show support and to represent the day of mourning.
One supporter who did not want her name mentioned said fighting for justice and freedom is never a waste of time.
Tension has been on the rise since the election was held more than a week ago in Iran. Questions arose immediately from the disputed election outcome. Since then, Tehran and other cities have seen the largest street protests and rioting since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Supporters of reform candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, are upset at the loss of the election and hold contentious suspicions of voter fraud.
Ballot discrepancies are being investigated and results will be released to the public but it is not expected that if these discrepancies are identified that they would be reported. Iran’s Guardian Council, a group of top clerics and judges, will investigate claims of ballot rigging.
