Written by: Israa Ahmed Fouad
Sunday, July 28, 2024 11:28 AM
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has approved Khamenei In a ceremony held today, Sunday, in the capital, Tehran, regarding Masoud Bazeshkian‘s presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to the Iranian IRNA news agency.
According to Article 110 of the Iranian Constitution, the new Iranian president was officially appointed during a ceremony attended by a group of senior officials, more than 2,500 civil and military officials, heads and professors of religious seminaries and universities, representatives of various professions, families of martyrs, and ambassadors of foreign countries accredited to Tehran, held at Imam Khomeini Husseiniyah.
The Iranian constitution stipulates that the new president has two weeks to present his program and proposed ministers to the Islamic Consultative Assembly (parliament) to gain its confidence.
Reformist Pezeshkian won the early presidential elections held at the end of last month following the death of the late President Ebrahim Raisi. In the second round held on July 5, he received 16,384,403 votes, with a turnout of 49.8% in that round of the presidential elections.
Masoud Pezeshkian, 70 years old, was born in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province, in northwestern Iran, to an Azeri father and a Kurdish mother. He is a heart surgeon and a teacher of the Holy Quran and Nahjul Balagha. He has represented the people of Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan Province, in the Islamic Consultative Assembly for five terms and served as the deputy speaker in its tenth term. He also held the position of Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education from 2001 to 2005.
The new Iranian president faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally, as Iran is undergoing an unprecedented period of uncertainty, characterized by cautious calm after rare protests in late 2022 following the death of young woman Mahsa Amini. This unrest reflected escalating popular dissatisfaction and the widening gap between citizens and the regime. Addressing these issues will be among the foremost challenges for the new president. Additionally, the country faces economic crises, with stagnation, high inflation, declining national currency value, and rising unemployment rates.
On the international front, the nuclear issue is a priority, along with determining how to engage with the new US president, particularly if President Biden remains in office or if there is a change in leadership.
The role of the President in Iran ranks second in the hierarchy after the Supreme Leader. The Iranian President’s position is akin to that of a Prime Minister, serving as the executive authority as stated in Article 113 of the Constitution. The president is responsible for forming the government and presenting it to Parliament within two weeks of taking the constitutional oath.
Written by: Israa Ahmed Fouad
Sunday, July 28, 2024 11:28 AM
Iran Welcomes New President Masoud Bazeshkian: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Iran has taken a pivotal step in its political landscape with the appointment of Masoud Bazeshkian as the new President of the Islamic Republic. This significant transition follows a recent ceremony in Tehran, officiated by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to the IRNA news agency, this marks a crucial moment in Iranian politics, following the passing of the former president, Ebrahim Raisi.
The Transition of Power in Iran
The ceremony saw a gathering of more than 2,500 dignitaries, including civil and military officials, heads of religious seminaries, and representatives from foreign embassies. The event took place at the Imam Khomeini Husseiniyah, emphasizing the ceremonial and constitutional importance of this transition. As per Article 110 of the Iranian Constitution, Bazeshkian is tasked with officially beginning his duties as president.
Presidential Obligations and Timeline
According to the Iranian Constitution, the newly appointed president must present his program and proposed cabinet to the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) within two weeks to secure parliamentary confidence. This rapid timeframe underscores the urgency of addressing the myriad challenges that the new administration will face.
The Election of Masoud Bazeshkian
Masoud Bazeshkian’s ascension to the presidency came after a decisive victory in the early elections held last month. He garnered over 16 million votes in the second round of elections, yielding a turnout of 49.8%. This remarkable electoral success reflects a significant shift in the political will of the Iranian populace.
Background of Masoud Bazeshkian
- Age: 70 years
- Early Life: Born in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province
- Profession: Noted heart surgeon and educator of the Holy Quran
- Political Experience: Served five terms in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, including as Deputy Speaker and Minister of Health
With a diverse heritage from an Azeri father and a Kurdish mother, Bazeshkian’s extensive political and medical background positions him uniquely to address the challenges ahead. His reputation as a reformist may also play a significant role in shaping his approach to governance.
Challenges Facing the New President
As the new president takes office, he must navigate several critical challenges:
1. Domestic Issues
The internal situation in Iran is fraught with challenges, particularly following the protests triggered by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in late 2022. The government faces a deepening discontent among citizens, coupled with years of economic stagnation characterized by:
- High inflation rates
- Declining national currency value
- Escalating unemployment levels
Addressing these social and economic grievances will be paramount for Bazeshkian’s presidency to restore trust and connectivity between citizens and the regime.
2. Economic Crises
The Iranian economy remains in a precarious state, having suffered extensive damage from sanctions, mismanagement, and external economic pressures. Masoud Bazeshkian will need to strategize effectively to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and stabilize the currency, all while managing public expectation.
3. International Relations and Nuclear Negotiations
On the external front, the Iranian nuclear file remains a key concern. The incoming president will need to adopt a tactful diplomatic approach, particularly with the Biden administration in the U.S., to navigate potential pathways for sanctions relief and reset diplomatic relations.
The Role of the Iranian President
The President of Iran is positioned just below the Supreme Leader in the hierarchy of authority. Enshrined in Article 113 of the Iranian Constitution, the president holds the executive power, responsible for forming the government and executing laws. This role is crucial in shaping domestic and foreign policy.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Formulating domestic policies
- Administering government affairs
- Engaging with international leaders and building foreign relations
- Oversight of domestic security and defense policies
Outlook for the Bazeshkian Presidency
The future of Iran under Masoud Bazeshkian will depend on his ability to effectively tackle the internal issues plaguing the nation while forging positive relations externally. The populace’s hopes for reform and economic revival will largely hinge on his legislative agenda and transparency.
Practical Tips for the New Administration
- Engage with Civil Society: Fostering open dialogue with citizens to address grievances and enhance trust.
- Build Coalition: Form alliances with various political factions to ensure stable governance.
- Focus on Economic Initiatives: Prioritize policies that revive economic growth and create job opportunities.
- Diplomatic Outreach: Initiate positive dialogues with international partners to ease sanctions and improve trade.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
Iran stands at a crossroads with the election of President Masoud Bazeshkian. His journey will test the resilience of Iran’s political structure and the aspirations of its citizens. By addressing critical challenges with strategic foresight, Bazeshkian may cultivate a trajectory of hope and reform for the future of Iran.
