📷 Image Credits: Press TV
Iranians have actively participated in the presidential runoff election in Iran, which took place a week after the initial snap election. Reformist lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili emerged as the top candidates, leading to a runoff to determine the next president of Iran. The election committee reported that Pezeshkian received 42.5% of the votes, with Jalili following closely at 38.6%. The overall voter turnout was around 40%, marking the lowest participation rate in a presidential election since 1979. The reformist candidate Pezeshkian, known for taking a stand against government crackdowns and violence, has the support of former president Mohammad Khatami’s health minister. On the other hand, Jalili, an ultraconservative hardliner, has a history of tough negotiations with the West, especially during the 2015 nuclear agreement talks.
The outcomes of the election will be reviewed by the Guardian Council before the two candidates resume campaigning. The recent elections have shown a trend of voter apathy in Iran, which has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process. Despite efforts to increase voter turnout, the country has been grappling with discontent and low participation rates. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has emphasized the importance of people’s participation in sustaining the Islamic Republic’s status and legitimacy.
The runoff election signifies a critical moment for Iran, as tensions with Israel and Western allies continue to escalate. The country’s economic challenges, along with concerns about women’s rights and mandatory clothing restrictions, have been pressing issues in the electoral campaign. Both candidates hold contrasting views on foreign policy and economic strategies, reflecting the political spectrum of Iran’s leadership. With the final results of the election awaited, Iran faces a pivotal moment in shaping its future trajectory on both domestic and international fronts.