Iran is conducting a presidential election today to choose a successor to President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last month. Nonetheless, the president, as the highest elected official, plays a significant role in shaping domestic and some foreign policies.
Key Facts About Iran’s Presidential Election:
Election Date and Timing:
– Voting begins today, Friday, June 28, at 8 a.m., with polls closing at 6 p.m. local time. Initial results are expected by Saturday.
Reason for the Snap Election:
– This election was originally scheduled for next year, but the government called for a snap election following the May 19 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Raisi, the foreign minister, and other officials.
Acting President Mohammad Mokhber is not a candidate in this election.
Candidates:
– The Guardian Council, responsible for vetting candidates, narrowed the field to six candidates: five hard-line conservatives and one reformist. Recently, two candidates withdrew from the race:
– Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs and former vice president.
– Alireza Zakani, mayor of Tehran.
The four remaining candidates are:
1. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf: A 62-year-old parliament speaker and former Tehran mayor with extensive military connections.
2. Saeed Jalili: A 58-year-old hard-line conservative and former nuclear negotiator with anti-Western views, and a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War.
3. Masoud Pezeshkian: The 69-year-old reformist candidate advocating for greater international outreach to improve Iran’s economy.
4. Mostafa Pourmohammadi: A 64-year-old Shia Muslim cleric who has held positions in the Interior and Intelligence Ministries.
Significance of the Election:
– Hard-liners aim to retain control of the presidency. Although major decisions rest with the supreme leader, the presidency remains influential.
– Speculation surrounds the succession of the 85-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The late President Raisi was considered a potential successor.
– Reform-minded voters hope for an unexpected victory for their candidate, Pezeshkian, despite some disappointment among younger voters regarding his positions.
