Who is Leading Iran’s Snap Presidential Elections
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Roshan Amiri
- . June 28, 2024
- . Update: June 28, 2024 7:36 pm
Following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iranians went to vote Friday for a fresh president. The election falls amid growing public discontent, rising regional tensions, and Western pressure on Iran’s nuclear programme mounting. From a strictly limited slate of four candidates, all of whom were devoted to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, voters selected The backdrop, contenders, and possible consequences of this important election are investigated in this paper.
Historical Setting
Iran’s political scene has been molded by its theocratic structure, in which the supreme leader has last say over important state affairs. Since Ayatollah Khamenei took office in 1989, he has mostly oversaw daily government operations, therefore impacting both internal and foreign policies. Still, any major legislative reform depends on the consent of the supreme leader. The passing of Ebrahim Raisi has created a degree of uncertainty, especially with relation to the succession of Khamenei, now eighty-five years old.
Election Climate
Rising regional conflict includes the continuous fighting between Israel and Iran’s proxies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon runs alongside the election. Western nations have also increased pressure on Iran on its fast expanding nuclear program. Khamenei is still the final decision-maker so, despite these urgent problems, the election is not expected to deliver a significant change in Iran’s basic policy. Still, Iran’s posture and strategies could be affected by the next president’s diplomatic and administrative style.
Call for High Turnout by Khamenei
Khamenei has pushed for a strong voting turnout in order to offset a legitimacy issue brought on by popular unhappiness over limits on political and social liberties and economic distress “People’s presence determines the durability, strength, dignity, and reputation of the Islamic Republic,” Khamenei said on state television after voting. “High turnout is a certain necessity.” His call expresses worries over decreased voter turnout in recent years, which detractors claim points to deteriorating religious authority legitimacy.
Candidate Selection Mechanism
Six clergymen and six jurists allied with Khamenei formed the conservative watchdog Guardian Council, which screened the contenders. Of an initial pool of eighty, only six were approved; two later dropped out. Supported by the marginalized reformist group, the remaining contenders comprise three hardliners and one low-profile relative moderate. Critics of this deliberate selection method have pointed out that it guarantees devotion to the supreme leader and limits real political competition.
The Hardline Prospective List
Among the hardliners are Saeed Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator employed for four years in Khamenei’s office, and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliament speaker and former commander of the formidable Revolutionary Guards. Both contenders have promised to bring Iran’s wounded economy back to life from mismanagement, official corruption, and sanctions re-imposed since the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement.
The Moderate Candidate
Massoud Pezeshkian, the only comparatively moderate, supports political pluralism, economic reform, social liberalization, and moderate detachment from the West. Although Pezeshkian follows Iran’s theocratic government, he has advocated respect of social liberties and compassionate treatment of women. His campaign has sought to inspire reform-minded people turned off by past governments’ inability to achieve significant change. Pezeshkian’s platform covers topics including the death of Mahsa Amini, which set up extensive 2022 demonstrations.
Public Opinion and Voter Turnout
Public opinion of the election has been divided; a good number of people show doubt and irritation. The hashtag #ElectionCircus is used extensively on social media sites; some campaigners want a boycott. Turnout in past elections has been dropping; just 48% of people cast ballots in the 2021 presidential contest and a record low 41% in the March legislative election. State television nevertheless displayed lines inside polling centers in some cities, suggesting some degree of participation.
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Examining and Finding Results
Usually extending until midnight, polls were set to close at 6 p.m. (1430 GMT). Authorities have declared that Saturday will be the announcement day for the election results. Should none of the candidates get at least 50% plus one vote from all the ballots cast—including blank votes—a run-off between the top two candidates will take place on the first Friday after the announcement of the results.
Conclusion
Held under the weight of internal strife and outside pressure, Iran’s presidential election marks a turning point for the nation. Although the incoming president is unlikely to dramatically change Iran’s basic principles, his style of running the country could affect its course and contacts with the world community. The result of the election will be very important in determining Iran’s political scene as it negotiates these challenging years.
