Heavy Voter Turnout in Iran's Presidential Elections
The presidential elections in Iran are witnessing heavy participation, prompting authorities to extend voting hours. Originally scheduled to close at six o'clock in the evening, polling stations will now remain open until ten o'clock local time. This decision was made to accommodate the large number of voters, particularly in the capital, Tehran, where turnout has been notably high.
Former Parliament Speaker Ali Motahhari emphasized that these elections are a significant indicator of popular support for the political system and administration in Iran. The voting process began at 08:00 am local time, with about 62 million eligible voters out of a total population of 88 million. Voting is taking place across more than 59,000 centers nationwide.
Election Candidates and Expected Results
The elections feature a mix of reformist and conservative candidates, including Masoud Pezeshkian, Muhammad Baqir Qalibaf, Saeed Jalili, and Mostafa Pourmohammadi. The first preliminary results are expected to be announced at midnight, with final results coming on Saturday. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a second round will be held on July 5 to determine the winner.
These elections follow the tragic death of President Ibrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their delegation in a helicopter crash on May 19. The incident occurred during their return from the opening ceremony of a dam near the Azerbaijani border.
- The Ministry of the Interior of the Islamic Republic announced the extension of polling hours, a move reported by 'Iran International', a portal for Iranian dissidents. Former MP Mahmoud Sadeghi, after casting his vote, highlighted the lower-than-expected turnout and urged Iranians to seize this opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
- This extension aims to ensure that all eligible voters have the chance to cast their ballots, reflecting the significant public interest in these elections. The heavy turnout, especially in Tehran, underscores the importance of these elections in shaping the country's future political landscape.
