Iranian voters are faced with a choice between ultra-conservative Saeed Jalili, known for his anti-Western stance and hawkish views, and moderate Masoud Pezeshkian, who supports a less hostile foreign policy and easing social restrictions. The run-off election comes after the death of conservative President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei holds the most power in the country, but the president can influence the direction of the country.
Voter apathy is high in Iran, with only 40% of eligible voters participating in the first round of the election. Many Iranians feel that their vote will not lead to meaningful change due to economic woes, restrictions on women, and corruption. Both candidates have previously run for president, with Jalili serving as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator and Pezeshkian being a former health minister.
The election is important as it will influence the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader, as Khamenei is 85 years old. However, elections in Iran do not meet democratic standards, as candidates must adhere to the limits set by the country’s clerical leaders. The sudden death of Raisi has added urgency to the election, as Iran wants to demonstrate its ability to handle such a situation despite ongoing tensions with Israel and economic challenges.
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