Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has widened his lead over hard-liner Saeed Jalili in Iran’s presidential runoff election. The vote comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran’s nuclear program and potential U.S. election outcomes playing a significant role. Despite a low turnout in the first round, officials hoped for higher participation in the runoff. The election results could have a significant impact on Iran’s foreign policy and its relationship with the West.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has commented on President Biden’s recent debate performance, stating that while it was ‘rough,’ he remains supportive of Biden’s candidacy. Beshear also addressed his own potential presidential aspirations, expressing flattery at being considered a possible replacement but emphasizing his support for Biden’s current run. Beshear highlights Kentucky’s achievements under his leadership, suggesting a more collaborative approach to governance and a potential appeal to voters tired of partisan gridlock.
Mauritania held a presidential election on Saturday, with incumbent President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani seeking a second term. The election saw a relatively peaceful atmosphere despite opposition claims of a ‘one-sided’ campaign and concerns about fraud. The president, a former security chief, has promised a continued focus on fighting poverty and supporting young people, and the country is expected to see economic growth fueled by the launch of gas production.
Massoud Pezeshkian, a moderate reformist candidate, is leading in the Iranian presidential election, according to state-run media. The preliminary results show him with nearly 400,000 votes ahead of his closest rival, Saeed Jalili. The election took place on Friday following the death of the previous president, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash last month. Pezeshkian is the sole moderate candidate among six contenders, with the remaining five being hardliners. His victory could signal a shift towards a more moderate approach to governance, particularly in areas concerning minorities and women’s rights.
Iran’s upcoming presidential election on June 28th sees a diverse range of candidates, each with distinct approaches to foreign policy. From staunch hardliners advocating for resistance against the West to reformists seeking renewed diplomacy, the candidates’ stances offer a glimpse into potential shifts in Iran’s international relations.
Iran’s Guardian Council has approved the candidacies of six individuals for the upcoming presidential election scheduled to take place on June 28. The election will see the participation of hardline parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Despite promises of economic improvement, the country’s political and economic decisions ultimately rest with the Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Notably, former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s nomination has been barred by the Guardian Council. This election marks the second time an Iranian president has died in office following the assassination of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
Following a helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi and seven others, Iran’s Guardian Council has approved six candidates, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, for the June 28 presidential election. Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was once again barred from running. The election campaign will be a condensed two-week period, with candidates set to participate in televised debates and public speeches. The council’s selection suggests Iran’s leadership aims to ensure a smooth electoral process amidst low voter turnout and tensions over the nuclear program and regional conflicts.
Former President Trump holds a slight lead over President Biden in the latest Fox News Power Rankings, with 251 electoral college votes to Biden’s 241. The race remains highly competitive, with four toss-up states (Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada) and four other competitive states (Michigan, Minnesota, Georgia, and North Carolina). Trump leads in the battleground states, particularly in the Sun Belt states, while Biden holds a modest advantage on abortion policy. Trump’s consistent leads may be due to his inroads with young, Hispanic, and Black voters. Biden’s vulnerabilities include high prices, increased illegal immigration, and his age. Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District could be a critical factor in determining the outcome if the race ends in a 269-269 electoral college tie.
Former US president Donald Trump will remain free while awaiting sentencing for falsifying business records, and could avoid prison time entirely. Trump’s attorneys will likely appeal the conviction, arguing that the charges were politically motivated and that the judge made legal errors during the trial. If convicted, Trump could face a sentence of fines or probation, as imprisonment is rare for first-time offenders with no other criminal history. Despite the conviction, Trump remains eligible to run for president in the November election, as the US Constitution does not prohibit those convicted of crimes from holding office.
A recent poll reveals that Trump’s criminal conviction in New York may have alienated some Republican voters. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 10% of registered GOP voters are less likely to support Trump for president due to his felony conviction for falsifying business records. However, 35% of Republican voters said they are even more likely to support Trump after the verdict. Despite the potential loss of some Republican support, Trump’s campaign has raised an impressive $53 million in donations since his conviction.
