Iranians began voting this morning, Friday, in the second round of presidential elections to elect their new fourteenth president.
In the second round of Iran’s presidential election, reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hardline conservative Saeed Jalili will compete to succeed President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last May.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cast his vote as polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time (04:30 GMT), according to state television.
The June 28 elections witnessed an unprecedented low turnout, with more than 60% of voters abstaining in the early elections.
Today’s election is a close race between MP Masoud Pezeshkian, the only moderate among the original candidates, and former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, a hardline conservative.
In the first round, Pezeshkian won 42.4% of the votes, compared to 38.6% for Jalili, while another conservative candidate, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, came in third.
During a televised debate on Monday evening, the two rivals discussed the country’s economic difficulties, international relations, low voter turnout and government restrictions on the internet.
“People are not happy with us,” Pezeshkian said, especially because of the lack of representation of women, as well as religious and ethnic minorities, in politics.
He added: “When 60% of the population does not participate (in the elections), this means that there is a problem” with the government.
For his part, Jalili expressed his concern about the low turnout, but without blaming the authorities.
Polling stations will close at 6pm (1430 GMT), and voting is usually extended until midnight, with the final result to be announced tomorrow, Saturday.
Khamenei admitted last Wednesday that “the turnout was less than expected” but he said: “It is completely wrong to think that those who did not vote in the first round are against the regime.”
Iranians Vote in Second Round of Presidential Election
Iranians began voting this morning, Friday, in the second round of presidential elections to elect their new fourteenth president. The race is between reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hardline conservative Saeed Jalili. This election follows the unexpected death of incumbent President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last May.
A Close Race: Pezeshkian vs. Jalili
The second round of the election is a tight race, with both candidates hoping to win over undecided voters. The two rivals face a challenging political landscape characterized by declining trust in the government and a growing desire for change among young Iranians.
In the first round, Pezeshkian secured 42.4% of the votes, while Jalili garnered 38.6%, leaving the outcome uncertain. Another conservative candidate, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, came in third.
Low Turnout Raises Concerns
The June 28 elections witnessed an unprecedented low turnout, with over 60% of voters abstaining. This trend reflects a growing sense of disillusionment with the current political system and a lack of faith in the ability of the government to address pressing issues.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, acknowledged the low turnout last Wednesday, stating that it was “less than expected.” However, he emphasized that “It is completely wrong to think that those who did not vote in the first round are against the regime.”
A Focus on Economic Challenges
During a televised debate earlier this week, Pezeshkian and Jalili addressed the country’s economic difficulties, international relations, and the government’s restrictions on the internet. The economic situation remains a key concern for Iranian voters, with many struggling with inflation and unemployment.
Pezeshkian highlighted the lack of representation for women, religious minorities, and ethnic groups in the political sphere. He argued that the low voter turnout reflects a deep-seated problem with the government’s approach to governance. “When 60% of the population does not participate (in the elections), this means that there is a problem” with the government, he said.
While Jalili also expressed his concern about the low turnout, he refrained from blaming the authorities.
Live Coverage and Results
Polling stations opened at 8:00 am local time (04:30 GMT) and will close at 6:00 pm (14:30 GMT), with voting typically extended until midnight. The final results are expected to be announced tomorrow, Saturday. State television is providing live coverage of the election proceedings.
Key Issues at Stake
This election is crucial for the future of Iran. The new president will face a complex set of challenges, including:
- Economic Reform: Reversing the economic downturn and addressing inflation and unemployment.
- International Relations: Navigating the country’s relationship with the United States and other key international actors.
- Nuclear Deal: Continuing negotiations with world powers regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
- Social Reform: Addressing public concerns about social and political freedoms.
The outcome of this election will have significant implications for Iran’s domestic and foreign policy. As the country grapples with economic hardship and political uncertainties, the new president will be tasked with forging a path forward amid a complex and volatile landscape.