Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist lawmaker, emerged victorious in the presidential runoff election in Iran, defeating conservative candidate Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian secured over 16 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million, with a voter turnout of more than 50%.
The election, which saw more than 30 million ballots cast, had a higher turnout than previous elections, with around 61 million eligible Iranian voters. Pezeshkian, a cardiologist, previously served as health minister and represented Tabriz in parliament, making unsuccessful presidential bids in 2013 and 2021.
Supporters celebrated Pezeshkian’s win before the official results were announced, signaling a shift in Iranian politics. He will replace Ebrahim Raisi, who died earlier, prompting the snap election. Pezeshkian’s victory marks a new chapter in Iran’s political landscape, with hopes for reform and progress under his leadership.
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