In a surprising turn of events, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s presidential runoff, defeating hard-line rival Saeed Jalili, as the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon, secured 16.3 million votes against Jalili’s 13.5 million in an election with a 50% turnout, 10 points higher than the initial round. This victory is seen as a significant setback for Iran’s conservative faction, with Pezeshkian advocating moderate domestic policies and improved Western relations.
Pezeshkian’s supporters celebrated in the early hours, expressing their triumph on social media and the streets. Reformist leader Ali Akbar Behmanesh heralded the win as a triumph of wisdom over ignorance. Despite skepticism about the election’s fairness, the higher turnout was viewed by some conservatives as a victory for the Islamic Republic.
The election followed the tragic death of former President Ebrahim Raisi. Analysts noted that although Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds the most power, the president can influence domestic and foreign policies. Reform-minded Nader Hashemi highlighted the potential checks on authoritarianism.
Pezeshkian’s victory, bolstered by endorsements from figures like former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, reflects voters’ rejection of Jalili’s hard-line stance, which many feared would exacerbate tensions and divisions. The new president called for unity, asserting that Iran belongs to all its people.
However, deep challenges remain. Iran’s economy is fraught with sanctions, inflation, and currency devaluation. Pezeshkian aims to address these by negotiating to lift sanctions.
Critics of the election viewed it as mere government propaganda, exemplified by low voter engagement and widespread protests calling for systemic change. As Iran faces economic woes and geopolitical strains, Pezeshkian’s win signifies a cautious hope for incremental improvements.
Original Story https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/05/world/middleeast/iran-election-reformist-wins.html
Category : Iran,Pezeshkian, Masoud,Elections,Politics and Government,Jalili, Saeed,Voting and Voters,Khamenei, Ali
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