More than 60 million Iranians are set to elect a new president of the Islamic Republic this Friday amid a tense internal context marked by ongoing rebellion and an external environment fraught with the risks of the Israel-Hamas conflict extending to Lebanon, where Hezbollah, Tehran's main ally, is involved.
The election comes after the withdrawal of two candidates on Thursday, leaving four men in the race to succeed Ebrahim Raissi, who tragically died in a helicopter accident on May 19. This vote is seen as more open than expected because, unlike the 2021 presidential election, the Iranian 'deep state'—comprising the supreme guide Ali Khamenei, his close advisors, and the Council of Guardians of the Constitution—has allowed a reformer, Massoud Pezechkian, to run against three other conservative candidates.
The election propaganda period, which lasted 16 days, ended on Thursday morning, marking the start of a period of electoral silence. Polling stations will open their doors after 24 hours. The National Election Commission has called on all candidates, parties, and political circles to cease promotional activities and urged voters not to carry any promotional materials on voting day.
The final list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council includes three representatives from the conservative movement: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, former Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili, and former Interior Minister Mustafa Pourmohammadi. The sole reformist candidate is former Health Minister Massoud Pezeshkian.
Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, one of the conservative candidates, withdrew his candidacy to support the chances of other conservative candidates. He announced his decision via a tweet on the 'X' platform, emphasizing the need to preserve the unity of revolutionary forces.
Observers expect the competition to be primarily among Jalili, Ghalibaf, and the reformist Pezeshkian. The outcome of this election could significantly impact Iran's domestic and foreign policies, especially given the current volatile geopolitical climate.
- The election is being closely watched both domestically and internationally due to its potential implications for Iran's political landscape and its relations with neighboring countries.
- The presence of a reformist candidate like Pezeshkian in the election is seen as a significant development, potentially indicating a shift in the political dynamics within Iran.
- The period of electoral silence is intended to provide voters with a calm environment to make their decisions without the influence of ongoing propaganda or promotional activities.
- The election results will be crucial in determining the future direction of Iran's policies, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
