As we witness real debate and democracy in our own presidential election, an important election that is rigged against democracy and freedom is happening in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, millions of Iranians will vote for the Majlis — their parliament — and the Assembly of Experts — their clerical council. Sadly, Iran’s elections are far from free, with the ayatollah and his crony clerics having disqualified 99 percent of the reformist candidates, thousands of individuals, he did not like. Also sadly, the Obama administration’s policy toward Iran is tacit approval of this farce election.

Ironically, instead of empowering Iranian reformers, those who are less enamored with radical Islamic teachings, President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran has emboldened the most radical Shia Islamist elements in the country. The regime is now flush with cash and closer to a nuclear weapon, weakening any chance for real democracy. In banning multiple political parties, requiring extensive vetting of all candidates, and barring well-known figures, such as Khomeini’s grandson, from running for office, it is clear how the radicals’ grip on the country has tightened. This runs counter to the will of the Iranian people. Just this week, the ayatollah said he was confident that his countrymen would choose anti-Western candidates.