Voting is currently underway in Iran as the nation prepares to choose Ebrahim Raisi’s successor in the presidential runoff, scheduled for Friday, according to source. The runoff follows a first round with a historically low turnout of 39.92%, as reported by the Interior Ministry, marking the lowest participation in a major election since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has urged Iranians to participate, highlighting the significance of this decisive round in selecting the country’s next president by tomorrow, as per source report.
The runoff contest is now between two main candidates: reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hardline conservative Saeed Jalili. Hardliners and conservatives generally advocate a cautious approach towards Western nations and advocate for enhancing Iran’s self-reliance and partnerships with countries like Russia and China.
Pezeshkian, 69, a former deputy speaker and heart surgeon, represents a departure from the typical conservative profile. He aims to engage more with the West to alleviate sanctions on Iran. In contrast, Jalili, 58, known for his involvement in Iran’s nuclear negotiations and as a former presidential candidate, prioritizes bolstering domestic capabilities and regional ties.
Both candidates have pledged to address Iran’s current economic challenges and improve living standards. Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran’s acting foreign minister and a supporter of Jalili, has been instrumental in nuclear negotiations and continues to play a significant role in Iranian politics.
The outcome of this election will shape Iran’s future direction amidst economic turmoil and ongoing international scrutiny over its nuclear policies.
