Iran is set to hold a runoff election on July 5th, pitting reformist candidate Massoud Pezeshkian against hardliner Saeed Jalili. The decision comes after no candidate secured a majority of the votes in the initial election, necessitating a second round to determine the next president.
Pezeshkian emerged as the most popular candidate in the first round, garnering 10,415,991 votes compared to Jalili’s 9,473,298, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. His strong showing is attributed to his focus on issues such as the rights of minorities, women, and the country’s border areas. There is a sense that a Pezeshkian government might be more responsive to the concerns of these groups.
The election saw a record low voter turnout of 39.9%, despite the regime’s hopes for wider participation. The inclusion of Pezeshkian alongside hardliners, including veterans of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), was seen as an attempt by the Supreme Leader to attract voters from various segments of society.
The Iranian political system is characterized by the Supreme Leader’s ultimate authority. While the president and their government implement policies and enforce decisions, the Supreme Leader holds the final say in all matters. The Guardian Council, a body of Islamic clerics and jurists appointed by the Supreme Leader, also plays a significant role in the political process, approving candidates and overseeing elections.
The need for a presidential election arose after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month. The outcome of the runoff election will have a significant impact on Iran’s political landscape, potentially shaping the country’s direction for the next term.
