Iran’s presidential election heads to a runoff between reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, following President Raisi’s death and a low voter turnout of 40%. Pezeshkian, the sole reformist approved by the Guardian Council, obtained the most votes in the initial round, facing off against Jalili known for his conservative views.
Voter apathy and disillusionment stem from dissatisfaction with the regime’s handling of protests against strict hijab laws. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s ultimate authority raises questions about the election’s symbolic nature, but it still garners considerable attention domestically and internationally.
With the next president requiring Khamenei’s approval, the election reflects Iran’s persistent political tensions. The Guardian Council’s stringent control over electoral participation has increased skepticism and apathy, while the outcome could impact Iran’s foreign policy, especially concerning its nuclear program and relations with Western nations.
While a Jalili presidency might signal a return to hardline policies, a Pezeshkian win could offer limited reform possibilities amidst the Supreme Leader’s overarching influence, highlighting the ongoing struggle between reformist aspirations and conservative control in Iran.