Polling stations for the early presidential elections in Iran opened this morning at 8:00 local time. These elections were called to replace President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically died in a plane crash on May 19th. The Minister of the Interior, Ahmad Vahidi, announced the opening of the polls, highlighting the significance of this electoral process.
The elections feature four candidates: three conservatives and one reformist. According to the Ministry of the Interior, a total of 61,452,321 Iranians, both domestically and abroad, are eligible to vote. There are 58,640 polling stations within Iran, including 15,215 mobile stations, and an additional 340 polling stations spread across 100 countries worldwide.
Iranian leader Ali Khamenei emphasized the importance of participating in the elections, calling it an 'important political test.' After casting his vote, Khamenei urged citizens to take the elections seriously, participate actively, and choose the best candidate. He reassured those hesitant about voting that the process is easy and beneficial.
The election propaganda period, which lasted 16 days, ended at eight in the morning on Thursday, leading into a day of electoral silence before the polls opened. The National Election Commission called for an end to all promotional activities and urged voters not to carry any promotional materials on voting day.
Initially, there were six candidates approved by the Guardian Council. However, conservative candidates Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi and Tehran Mayor Ali Reza Zakani withdrew from the race to support the conservative front. The final list includes three conservative candidates: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, former Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili, and former Interior Minister Mustafa Pourmohammadi. The reformist candidate is former Minister of Health Masoud Pezeshkian.
Observers anticipate a tight competition among the three main candidates: the conservative Jalili, the former nuclear negotiator Ghalibaf, and the reformist Pezeshkian. Hashemi's withdrawal was aimed at preserving the unity of the revolutionary forces, and he expressed hope that this move would strengthen the conservative front.
- The elections are a critical moment for Iran, as the country seeks to navigate the political landscape following the untimely death of President Raisi. The participation of over 61 million eligible voters underscores the democratic engagement within the nation.
- The role of the Guardian Council in approving candidates is pivotal, as it ensures that only those who meet specific criteria can run for the presidency. This process reflects the intricate balance of power and political oversight in Iran.
- The emphasis on electoral silence and the cessation of promotional activities highlight the importance of a fair and orderly voting process. This period allows voters to reflect on their choices without external influences, ensuring a more thoughtful and considered decision-making process.
