Iran’s presidential election saw reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili advance to the runoff after leading in the first round, with a turnout of 40% – the lowest in Iran’s history. Out of 61 million eligible voters, over 24 million cast their ballots.
Pezeshkian received over 10.4 million votes, while Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator, garnered over 9.4 million, leading to a second round scheduled for the following Friday. The elections were initially set for 2025 but were moved up due to the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
The Guardian Council initially approved six candidates, but two dropped out just before the election. The election was marked by heightened tensions, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging participation while opposition groups called for a boycott.
Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and former health minister, emphasized transparency, while Jalili maintained his anti-West stance. Regardless of the outcome, Iran’s next president will implement policies outlined by the supreme leader.
Despite challenges, the election reflects the Iranian people’s desire for change and hope for the future, as shown by the contrasting headlines of Iranian newspapers celebrating the turnout.