In the first round of Iran's presidential election, a reformist candidate emerged as the frontrunner, setting the stage for a runoff against a conservative hardliner next week. None of the four candidates managed to secure over 50% of the vote, necessitating a second round scheduled for July 5. The election witnessed the lowest voter turnout since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.
Reformist lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian garnered the most votes with 10.5 million, closely followed by ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili with nearly 9.5 million votes. Out of 60 million eligible voters, only 24 million cast their ballots, resulting in a 40% turnout. The results are subject to review by the Guardian Council, a 12-member body responsible for overseeing elections and legislation.
The snap election was triggered by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials. The electoral landscape shifted as two conservative candidates withdrew from the race just a day before the elections to consolidate the conservative vote behind Jalili.
Pezeshkian stood as the sole reformist candidate after numerous contenders were disqualified from running by the Guardian Council. The Iranian electoral process has been grappling with voter apathy, reflecting a broader trend of declining participation in recent elections.
Supreme Leader Khamenei emphasized the importance of people's participation in upholding the Islamic Republic's status and legitimacy. The election occurs amidst heightened tensions with Israel and Western allies, exacerbated by conflicts in Gaza and Iran's nuclear program advancements.
The economic challenges facing Iran, compounded by US sanctions, currency devaluation, and inflation, underscore the significance of this election. Moreover, the aftermath of nationwide protests in 2022 against social restrictions, including mandatory hijab rules, continues to reverberate in the political landscape.
While the Supreme Leader retains significant decision-making authority, the elected president serves as the public face of the Islamic Republic on the global stage.
