In a significant political shift, reformist Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran’s new president, overcoming his hardline conservative rival, Saeed Jalili. Dr. Pezeshkian won with 53.3% of the votes, totaling over 30 million, while Mr. Jalili secured 44.3%. This decisive victory follows a runoff after no candidate achieved a majority in the initial round on June 28, which saw a historically low voter turnout of 40%.
The election, triggered by the tragic death of Iran’s former president, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash in May, concluded with Dr. Pezeshkian’s supporters celebrating in the streets of Tehran and other cities. Social media footage showcased young Iranians dancing and waving the green flags of his campaign, with cars honking in support.
Dr. Pezeshkian, a 71-year-old heart surgeon and parliament member, is known for his critical stance on Iran’s morality police. He has vowed to bring “unity and cohesion” and end Iran’s international isolation. He also advocates for renewed negotiations with Western powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, aimed at easing sanctions in exchange for limiting Iran’s nuclear program.
In stark contrast, Saeed Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator, upholds a hardline, anti-Western stance, opposing the restoration of the nuclear deal, which he believes compromises Iran’s “red lines.” Jalili has strong backing from Iran’s religious communities.
The recent voting round saw a 50% turnout, higher than the previous week’s record low since the 1979 Islamic revolution, yet still indicative of widespread discontent. Many Iranians boycotted the elections due to limited candidate choices dominated by Islamic hardliners and skepticism about genuine change under the supreme leader’s tight control.
Despite initial reluctance, some voters cast their ballots for Dr. Pezeshkian to prevent Jalili’s presidency, fearing further international confrontation and sanctions. Both candidates underwent a vetting process by the Guardian Council, a powerful body of clerics and jurists, which disqualified 74 other candidates, including several women, drawing criticism from human rights groups.
Iran’s recent history of civil unrest and anti-regime protests has deepened mistrust in the establishment, particularly among young and middle-class citizens. The Persian hashtag “traitorous minority” trended on social media, condemning participation in the election. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed claims that low turnout reflects opposition to his rule, acknowledging the existence of dissenting voices while insisting they do not oppose the establishment.
