A reformist and an ultraconservative will face off in a decisive runoff election on Friday after neither candidate secured the necessary majority of votes in the initial round. The first round was marked by a historic low voter turnout and widespread dissatisfaction with the political status quo.
The runoff election, scheduled for July 5th, was moved up a year due to the untimely passing of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident. This election will determine whether Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a reform candidate, or the hardliner Saeed Jalili, will become the next president of Iran, a nation grappling with economic challenges, internal unrest, and complex foreign policy issues.
In the initial round, a staggering 60% of eligible voters either abstained from voting or submitted blank ballots in protest against the perceived inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the ruling establishment in addressing Iran’s pressing issues. Dr. Pezeshkian secured over 10.4 million votes (42.4%), while Saeed Jalili received 9.47 million votes (38.6%).
Although Dr. Pezeshkian led in the first round, the outcome of the runoff remains uncertain. The third-place candidate, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, who garnered 13.8% of the initial votes, has endorsed Mr. Jalili. However, earlier polls indicated that many of Mr. Ghalibaf’s supporters may not rally behind Mr. Jalili in the final round.
Meet the Candidates:
| Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian |
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Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the reformist contender, has shown willingness to engage in nuclear negotiations with Western nations. Candidate Profile:
Credit: Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times |
