This article analyzes the rate of electoral participation during ten periods of presidential election in Iran within 1979-2009. The rate of electoral participation in Iran’s presidential elections has been problematic and not based on a regular pattern of change. Having proved this claim, the theory of democratic political system was chosen as the theoretical foundation of the paper in order to find a solution to the problem. The problem was related logically to the theory and inspired by the theory, the research question was formulated. On the theoretical level, it was argued that there is a relationship between party competition and electoral participation such that by an increase in the extent of party competition, the electoral participation will also increase. This argument was put through a regression analysis. Available evidence indicates that there exists a 45% positive correlation between electoral participation and party competition.  

Keywords: Electoral participation, Democratic political system, Party competition, Periods of presidential Elections, Iran

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