Iran is preparing for a runoff election on Friday to determine its next president. The two candidates in the running are former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, an ultraconservative hawk who is anti-Western, and moderate Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon who has signaled a desire for a less hostile foreign policy and easing social restrictions in Iran. The election was called after the death of conservative President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Preliminary results from the interior ministry could be available as early as Saturday.
Iran’s elections are tightly controlled, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei holding the most power over domestic and foreign affairs. Voter apathy is high in this election, with only 40% of eligible voters participating in the first round. Many Iranians doubt that their votes will lead to meaningful change due to economic struggles, hijab crackdowns, Internet restrictions, mismanagement, and corruption.
Jalili is known for his hardline stance against the U.S. during nuclear negotiations, while Pezeshkian has criticized the government’s handling of dissent and supported the 2015 nuclear deal. Both candidates have previously run for president unsuccessfully in earlier elections.
The outcome of this election matters as it will impact Iran’s relationship with the West, particularly the U.S., and will have implications for the selection of the next Supreme Leader as Khamenei is 85 years old. The election is seen as an opportunity for Iran to demonstrate its ability to handle leadership transitions effectively amidst ongoing tensions with Israel and economic challenges due to U.S. sanctions.
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