Tehran: In a surprising turn of events, Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian emerged victorious in the presidential runoff election against the ultraconservative Saeed Jalili. State media reported that Pezeshkian secured over 17 million votes, while Jalili garnered more than 13 million votes, with over 30 million votes counted so far, according to results released by the interior ministry.
Election Background
Iran held the first round of its snap presidential election last week, marked by a record low turnout. Only 40 percent of Iran’s 61 million eligible voters cast their ballots in the first round, the lowest turnout in any presidential election since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
In the initial round, Pezeshkian, the sole reformist candidate, led the polls, running against three conservative figures. Jalili came in second, followed by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in third place. As none of the candidates secured more than 50 percent of the votes, a runoff round between Pezeshkian and Jalili was held on Friday.
Pezeshkian’s Victory
Masoud Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart surgeon, received significant support from Iran’s main reformist coalition, including ex-president Mohammad Khatami and moderate former president Hassan Rouhani. His victory is seen as a potential shift towards more moderate and reformist policies in Iran.
Jalili’s Campaign
Saeed Jalili, 58, known for his uncompromising anti-West stance, rallied a substantial base of hardline supporters. He received backing from other conservative figures, making the runoff election a closely watched and contentious race.
Snap Elections
The snap elections were initially scheduled for 2025 but were brought forward following the unexpected death of ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. The election took place against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions over the Gaza war, a dispute with the West over Iran’s nuclear program, and domestic discontent over the state of Iran’s sanctions-hit economy.
Moving Forward
Pezeshkian’s victory marks a significant moment for Iran’s political landscape, potentially opening the door for more moderate and reformist approaches to governance. His administration will face immediate challenges, including addressing regional tensions, navigating disputes with the West over Iran’s nuclear program, and managing the country’s struggling economy.
For further updates and detailed analysis on the implications of this election, stay tuned to our news coverage.