Reformist beats hardliner to win Iran presidency

TEHRAN: On Saturday, reformist Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian defeated ultraconservative Saeed Jalili in a runoff presidential election in Iran.

According to election authority spokesperson Mohsen Eslami, out of around 30 million votes cast, Dr. Pezeshkian won more than 16 million votes, or nearly 54%, and Jalili more than 13 million votes, or roughly 44%. Voter turnout was 49.8%.

Dr. Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to his followers for coming out to vote “with love and to help” the nation.

He declared on state television, “We will extend the hand of friendship to everyone; we are all citizens of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country.”

KEEP READING:

Joe Biden “Staying In The Race” But His Reelection Bid Hangs In Balance

World leaders congratulate Iran’s Pezeshkian on presidential election win

Gaza ceasefire and hostage release efforts gain momentum

President-elect Pezeshkian calls for better ties with West for revival of N-deal

The election was called early due to President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash, and it came after a first round with record low voter turnout the previous week. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, emphasized the significance of the election but noted that fewer people than anticipated participated in the first round of voting.

The election will take place amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region over the Gaza War, a disagreement with the West on Iran’s nuclear program, and domestic unrest regarding the state of the sanctions-affected Iranian economy.

According to numbers released by Iran’s elections authorities, Dr. Pezeshkian, the lone reformist permitted to run in last week’s first round, received the most votes (about 42 percent), followed by Jalili (around 39 percent).

Iran’s reformists now have more optimism thanks to Dr. Pezeshkian’s candidacy. For years, the conservative and ultraconservative groups have dominated the country. With the backing of moderate former president Hassan Rouhani and former president Mohammad Khatami, he was backed by the largest reformist alliance in Iran.

The 69-year-old cardiac surgeon has demanded that in order to “get Iran out of its isolation,” Western nations and Iran engage in “constructive relations.”

In 2018, the United States withdrew from the agreement unilaterally, reimposing sanctions and causing Iran to progressively lessen its adherence to its conditions. The agreement sought to reduce nuclear activities, which Tehran claims is for peaceful uses.

Jalili, a 58-year-old former nuclear negotiator for Iran, is well-known for his unwavering hostility against the West. He garnered support from various conservative politicians and recruited a sizable network of hardline followers during his campaign.

Dr. Pezeshkian and Jalili participated in two televised debates before to Friday’s runoff, when they talked about the poor attendance, Iran’s economic problems, foreign relations, and internet restrictions.

Dr. Pezeshkian promised to lift long-standing internet bans and to “fully” oppose police presences enforcing the law requiring women to wear headscarves.

“Continue the path of Martyr Raisi and use the country’s many capacities, especially the revolutionary and faithful youth, for the comfort of the people and the progress of the country,” Ayatollah Khamenei said, praising Dr. Pezeshkian.