In a surprising turn of events, reform candidate Massoud Pezeshkian has emerged victorious in the second round of Iran's presidential election, defeating ultra-conservative Saïd Jalili. The Interior Ministry announced that Pezeshkian received over 16 million votes compared to Jalili's 13 million, out of the 30 million ballots counted so far. Voter turnout was recorded at 49.8%, reflecting a nation grappling with economic hardships and international sanctions.
The election, hastily organized following the death of former President Ebrahim Raïssi in a helicopter accident, has been closely watched by international observers. Iran, a significant player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, is entangled in various crises, from the ongoing war in Gaza to contentious nuclear negotiations with Western powers, particularly the United States.
Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old MP, advocates for a more open relationship with the West. His campaign received endorsements from former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, both of whom are known for their reformist and moderate stances. In contrast, Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator with a hardline stance against Western countries, was backed by conservative figures including Parliament President Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.
The first round of the election saw a record low turnout of 39.92%, the lowest in 45 years of the Islamic Republic, highlighting widespread disillusionment among the populace. Opposition figures both within Iran and in the diaspora called for a boycott, arguing that the conservative and reformist camps are merely two sides of the same coin.
Despite the limited powers of the president in Iran's political system, where real authority lies with the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the election has significant symbolic importance. Pezeshkian's victory is seen as a potential shift towards a more moderate and open Iran, although the ultimate direction will still be heavily influenced by the religious leadership.
