Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian Wins Iran Presidential Election run-off

Iran’s voters elected their first reformist president in two decades. Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and lawmaker has secured the win by pledging to reach out to the west. Pezeshkian clinched the victory by promising to foster better relations with western nations and ease the enforcement of the mandatory headscarf law. This commitment comes after a challenging period marked by international sanctions and widespread protests that have put significant pressure on Islamic Republic.

Source: News18

Election Results-

Masoud Pezeshkian emerged victorious over his opponent, Saeed Jalili, Former nuclear Negotiator. According to the official count, Pezeshkian garnered 53.7 percent of the votes, amounting to 16.3 million ballots, while his competitor, Saeed Jalili, received 44.3 percent, or 13.5 million votes. In total, Pezeshkian secured over 17 million votes, compared to Jalili’s tally of more than 13 million. This election saw roughly 30 million votes cast, as reported by Iran’s election authority. The voter turnout was notably low, reaching only 49.8 percent, marking a historic low level for participation in the country’s electoral process.

Low Voter Turnout-

The initial round of polling on June 28 witnessed the lowest participation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, marking a historic low in the history of the Islamic Republic. The Iranian leadership has consistently emphasized that voter turnout is a crucial indicator of support for the country’s Shiite theocracy. This system has been under immense pressure due to years of economic sanctions, widespread protests, and severe repression of dissent.

According to the official vote count provided by the authorities, Masoud Pezeshkian received 16.3 million votes, while his opponent, Jalili, secured 13.5 million votes in the election held on Friday.

These elections were held in the wake of President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter accident in May. Raisi was widely considered a close confidant and mentee of Supreme Leader Khamenei, with many believing he was being groomed as a potential successor to the supreme leader position.

Raisi’s legacy, however, is tainted by his involvement in the 1988 mass executions in Iran. Additionally, he played a significant role in the brutal suppression of protests that erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Amini had been arrested by authorities for allegedly wearing her mandatory hijab improperly, sparking widespread outrage and demonstrations.

Masoud Pezeshkian’s Vision

“Dear people of Iran, the elections are over and this is just the beginning of our cooperation.The difficult path ahead will not be smooth without your companionship, empathy, and trust. I extend my hand to you and I swear on my honor that I will not leave alone on this path. Don”t leave us alone” Pezeshkian stated in a post on X on Saturday, reiterating his earlier pledge to “extend the hand of friendship to everyone” in the event of his victory.

Source: X

Concession and Public Response

“By gaining the majority of the votes cast on Friday, Masoud Pezeshkian has become Iran’s next president,” the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. This declaration marked a significant turning point in Iran’s political landscape. Shortly after the ministry’s official announcement, Jalili conceded defeat, emphasizing the importance of respecting the democratic process.

“Anybody who is elected by the people must be respected,” Jalili stated. He further added, “Not only should he be respected, but now we must use all our strength and help him move forward with strength,” during an interview with state television. 

Following the announcement of the election results, scenes of celebration erupted across the country. Small groups of Pezeshkian supporters took to the streets, jubilantly expressing their enthusiasm and hope for the future under his leadership. These spontaneous gatherings highlighted the public’s eagerness for change and the beginning of a new chapter in Iran’s governance.