In a pivotal election that could signal a change in Iran's political landscape, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has emerged victorious in the country's presidential race, according to CNN reporting. The electoral authority announced on July 6 that Pezeshkian secured 53.6% of the 30.5 million votes counted in Friday's runoff, defeating his ultraconservative rival, Saeed Jalili, who garnered 44.3% of the ballots.
The election, which saw a turnout of 49.8%, marks the lowest voter participation for a presidential election since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. This second round of voting followed an initial round where Pezeshkian secured the highest number of ballots.
In his victory speech at the burial site of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to the Iranian people and pledged to serve as a "voice of the voiceless." The 69-year-old trained heart surgeon and lawmaker acknowledged the challenges facing the country, calling for unity in what he described as a new chapter for Iran.
During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian advocated for easing certain social restrictions, including removing blanket internet censorship and ending the enforcement of strict dress codes for women. He also expressed support for greater transparency in banking and finance, proposing measures that could potentially lead to Iran's removal from a blacklist maintained by the Financial Action Task Force, a global watchdog for money laundering and terrorist financing.
On foreign policy, Pezeshkian has emphasized the importance of negotiations with Western nations, including the United States. During his campaign, Pezeshkian expressed support for reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. This landmark deal had imposed limitations on Iran's nuclear enrichment activities in return for relief from economic sanctions. However, the agreement collapsed in 2018 when then-US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
Khamenei's Kayhan in editorial today claims presidential election revealed 2 blocs in Iran: 1 bloc had 16 million votes, the other 13 million.
(Even if we accept the fake figures, the fact is 68 million were eligible to vote but 39 million didn't, making a 3rd bloc.
The regime— Amir Taheri (@AmirTaheri4) July 7, 2024
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, congratulated the president-elect and praised the country for swiftly holding "free and transparent elections" following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Khamenei advised Pezeshkian to act "in continuation of the path" of Raisi.
Pezeshkian's victory comes at a crucial time for Iran, as the country faces increasing international isolation, internal discontent, economic challenges, and heightened tensions with Israel. As the only reformist candidate allowed to run after dozens of others were barred, Pezeshkian has advocated for dialogue with Iran's adversaries, particularly regarding its nuclear program.
"The primary issue is the perspective: Do we want to solve our problems with the world or not? I believe we must get out of the deadlock to solve the country's problems," Pezeshkian stated during a presidential debate prior to the second round of voting.
The US State Department, however, maintained a cautious stance, stating that the elections "were not free or fair" and would not significantly impact their approach to Iran. A spokesperson for the department added, "We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran's direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens."
