Credits:Inquirer.net
In a significant political shift, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian secured a victory in Iran’s presidential runoff election, defeating ultraconservative rival Saeed Jalili. The interior ministry announced the results on Saturday, with Pezeshkian garnering over 16 million votes, approximately 54 percent, while Jalili received more than 13 million votes, about 44 percent, out of the 30 million votes cast.
Voter turnout reached 49.8 percent, a notable increase from the record low of 40 percent in the first round, as reported by electoral authority spokesman Mohsen Eslami.
The election took place amid heightened regional tensions due to the Gaza conflict, disputes with the West over Iran’s nuclear program, and widespread domestic discontent over the sanctions-hit economy.
In his first address following the victory, Pezeshkian emphasized the beginning of a “partnership” with the Iranian people. “The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy, and trust. I extend my hand to you,” he stated on social media platform X. Earlier in the week, he had pledged to “extend the hand of friendship to everyone” if elected.
Jalili, acknowledging his defeat, urged his supporters to back Pezeshkian. “The person who is elected by the people is respected, his respect should be maintained,… and now we should make all our efforts to help him move forward with strength,” Jalili remarked in statements made on Tuesday and posted on Saturday on X.
The election was called early following the death of ultraconservative President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Four candidates participated in the first round held on June 28.
Despite Pezeshkian’s win, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, retains ultimate authority over major policy issues. Khamenei had emphasized the importance of the election and called for higher turnout in the runoff. He noted the lower-than-expected turnout in the first round but stressed that it was not an act “against the system”.
After over one million ballots were spoiled in the first round, the runoff saw more than 600,000 spoiled ballots, according to figures provided by Eslami.
Analysts suggest that some Iranians have lost faith in the political system. All candidates were vetted by Iran’s Guardian Council, which approved Pezeshkian as the sole reformist contender.
Political expert Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group think tank noted that Pezeshkian would face significant challenges in implementing his platform. “The continued conservative dominance of other state institutions & limits of presidential authority mean Pezeshkian will face an uphill battle in securing the greater social and cultural rights at home and diplomatic engagement abroad emphasized during his campaign,” Vaez commented on X.
Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart surgeon, has previously served as health minister two decades ago. He advocates for “constructive relations” with Western countries to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and global powers, aimed at curbing nuclear activity for peaceful purposes. The United States withdrew from the accord in 2018, reimposing sanctions and prompting Iran to gradually reduce its commitments.
Jalili, 58, known for his anti-West stance, served as Iran’s nuclear negotiator until 2013 and currently represents Khamenei in the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s top security body.
The United States, however, downplayed the election’s impact on Iran’s direction. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel remarked that the vote was unlikely to lead to “a fundamental change in Iran’s direction or lead the Iranian regime to offer more respect for human rights and more dignity for its citizens.”
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pezeshkian and expressed hope for strengthened ties, according to the Kremlin.
Pezeshkian received endorsements from Iran’s main reformist coalition, including former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, a moderate who served until Raisi’s 2021 victory. Pezeshkian has vowed to ease internet restrictions and fully oppose police patrols enforcing the mandatory headscarf for women, an issue that gained prominence after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022.
