In a significant political shift, Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian triumphed in the runoff presidential election against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, as announced by the interior ministry on Saturday. Pezeshkian secured more than 16 million votes, surpassing Jalili’s 13 million out of approximately 30 million votes cast. Voter turnout was reported at 49.8 per cent, with over 600,000 spoiled ballots.
Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their participation with a message of unity and progress on State television. “We will extend the hand of friendship to everyone; we are all people of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country,” he stated.
The election, held early due to the death of ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, saw a first round characterized by historically low turnout. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had urged higher participation in the runoff, underscoring the election’s significance despite the low first-round turnout.
The electoral backdrop included regional tensions over the Gaza conflict, disputes with the West regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and domestic economic challenges exacerbated by sanctions. Pezeshkian’s candidacy has revived the hopes of reformists, who have faced years of conservative dominance.
Supported by Iran’s main reformist coalition and endorsed by former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart surgeon, advocated for “constructive relations” with Western countries to revive the nuclear deal and end Iran’s isolation.
Conversely, Jalili, a 58-year-old former nuclear negotiator known for his anti-West stance, rallied a significant base of hardline supporters and received endorsements from conservative figures. During televised debates, both candidates addressed low voter turnout, economic issues, international relations, and internet restrictions.
Pezeshkian pledged to ease internet restrictions and oppose mandatory headscarf enforcement by police, a contentious issue since Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody in 2022. Amini’s death sparked widespread unrest, highlighting the nation’s deep-seated socio-political challenges.
With Pezeshkian’s victory, Iran’s political landscape may experience notable changes, particularly in its approach to international diplomacy and domestic reforms.
