Iran Prepares for Early Presidential Elections Amid Political Uncertainty
In the wake of President Ebrahim Raisi's untimely death, Iran is gearing up for early presidential elections scheduled for June 28. The crash of the presidential helicopter on May 19 near Tabriz not only shocked the nation but also triggered an unforeseen political scenario.
The registration of presidential candidates began this morning and will continue for five days. After the registration period, the Guardian Council, approved by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, will review the candidates' files to decide who qualifies to run. The approved list of presidential candidates will then be published on June 11, giving the selected individuals almost two weeks to campaign.
Based on the Presidential Elections Law, candidates must meet certain conditions, including holding Iranian citizenship, demonstrating good conduct, and being a devout believer in the Islamic Republic's official religion. Observers indicate the upcoming elections could be particularly challenging, with significant speculation around candidates from various political factions.
Important figures speculated to enter the fray include Saeed Jalili, former head of Iran's nuclear negotiating team and a known extremist; Parviz Fatah, former energy minister and Revolutionary Guards member; and Mohammad-Bagar Kalibaf, the conservative speaker of parliament. From the moderate camp, names like Mohsen Hashemi and former parliament speaker Ali Larijani have also surfaced.
The mood in Iran is one of cautious anticipation. Political experts like Dr. Uri Goldberg and Mohamed Muhajiri emphasize that these elections will serve as a 'strength test' for the Iranian political system. Advocacy for a moderate president is strong, as many believe such leadership could improve Iran's economic crisis exacerbated by international sanctions. A government aligned with effective foreign policy and pragmatic solutions is seen as a potential game-changer.
Furthermore, analysts argue that a high voter turnout, inspired by a push for national unity following Raisi's death, could favor a moderate presidential candidate. However, the ultimate outcome will heavily depend on the Guardian Council's approval of the candidates.
- Former presidents Hassan Rouhani and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are also mentioned as potential candidates, reflecting the ideological diversity within Iran's political landscape.
- Political observers also highlighted the intricate coalition politics in Iran, where power dynamics often involve alliances and strategic positioning.
- The focus on effective foreign policy suggests the next Iranian president might extend diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing issues, such as the nuclear crisis.
