Iran’s upcoming presidential election on Friday will determine whether the country will be led by a hardline conservative like former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili or a more moderate candidate like heart surgeon Masoud Pezeshkian. The election is a run-off between these two candidates after the initial round of voting did not yield a clear winner. The results are eagerly awaited and are expected to be released soon.
Iran’s elections are tightly controlled, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei holding the most power over all domestic and foreign affairs. The snap election was called after President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash in May.
Many Iranians are disenchanted with the election process, with record-low voter turnout in the first round. Economic issues, social restrictions, and corruption have led to widespread boycotts of the election. Critics believe that regardless of who wins, meaningful change is unlikely to occur in Iran.
Saeed Jalili is a staunch ideologue who has been a fierce critic of the West during nuclear negotiations. He prioritizes overcoming Western sanctions and strengthening ties with China and Russia. On the other hand, Masoud Pezeshkian is more pragmatic and has criticized the government’s harsh enforcement of social restrictions. Both candidates have their own supporters and represent differing views within Iran’s political landscape.
The election is significant as the next president will play a role in selecting Iran’s next supreme leader, given Khamenei’s age. Despite the limitations on democracy in Iran, the election is seen as an opportunity for the country to navigate through challenging times and potentially demonstrate stability in the face of external pressures.
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