📷 Image Credits: DAWN.com
The first round of Iran’s presidential election revealed shrinking support for both reformists and conservatives, despite some voters pushing for change by backing the sole reformist candidate, analysts say. Masoud Pezeshkian, the reformist contender, and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili led the polls held on Friday to replace the late ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last month. Friday’s vote, marked by a historically low turnout, clearly indicates that both reformists’ and conservatives’ bases have significantly shrunk, according to Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group think tank.
In the lead-up to the election, Iran’s main reformist coalition supported Pezeshkian, with endorsements by former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, a moderate. The reformists made strong efforts to mobilize their base, but it proved inadequate. Similarly, the conservatives failed to gather enough votes despite deploying significant resources.
The combined votes of Jalili and conservative parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who came in third, totaled 12.8 million, significantly lower than Raisi’s nearly 18 million votes in the 2021 election. A record low turnout was observed, with only about 40 percent of the 61 million eligible voters casting their ballots. More than one million ballots were spoiled, reflecting a loss of faith in the electoral process.
The decline in turnout was deemed embarrassing for the Iranian leadership, with ultimate political power resting with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian’s lead symbolized a push for fundamental changes in the economy and foreign relations. He garnered support for his clean record and commitment to constructive international relations.
Jalili, known for his anti-West stance, rallied hardline supporters under the slogan ‘no compromise, no surrender.’ His strong opposition to the 2015 nuclear deal and scepticism towards international ties set him apart. The runoff between Pezeshkian and Jalili will be crucial in shaping Iran’s future direction amidst economic challenges and regional tensions. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Iran’s relations with the global community and the progress of the nuclear deal.
