Iran has their politicians under heel. The so-called Reformists are merely people who think half of Jews should be killed instead of all Jews. Yet media in the U.S. and Europe love to talk of this election in Iran as if it were real. The nut cases picked all candidates, and the results are known long before voting. But let’s play along…
Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has emerged victorious in Iran’s presidential election, securing 53.6% of the votes in a runoff held on Friday, according to official announcements made on Saturday. Pezeshkian’s closest competitor, the ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, garnered 44.3% of the votes. The electoral showdown drew a 49.8% voter turnout from an eligible base of 30.5 million, reflecting a modest engagement in the political process.
Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran’s presidential race with 16.3M votes, beating Saeed Jalili’s 13.5M
Pezeshkian promises outreach to the West. Analysts predict pragmatic foreign policy shifts. Known for his Pro-India & Anti-Pakistan stand
Supporters celebrate in Tehran & other… pic.twitter.com/n5JU2dtZgg
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) July 6, 2024
The election required a second round after no candidate achieved a majority in the initial voting, where Pezeshkian also led. This runoff marked the lowest participation rate since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Following his win, Pezeshkian delivered a speech in Tehran, emphasizing his commitment to being a “voice of the voiceless” and vowing to address Iran’s myriad challenges through unity and cooperation.
Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart surgeon turned lawmaker, expressed his intentions to navigate the country through its economic, social, military, and financial difficulties. His victory was recognized by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, who praised the swift conduct of these elections following the sudden death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a tragic accident. Khamenei also encouraged Pezeshkian to continue on the path laid by his predecessor.
#MasoudPezeshkian, new president of the #Iran‘s Islamic Regime is a Pan-Turk. In 2016, when I heard he was trying to spread Pan Turkism ideology as a parliament member of the regime, I called him & warned him. He denied that his actions were for spreading these ideologies but I… pic.twitter.com/Gal0D8G56E
— Babak Taghvaee – The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) July 6, 2024
Before assuming office, Pezeshkian’s election results must be certified by the Guardian Council, a key body responsible for overseeing elections. The new president faces significant challenges, including escalating international isolation, internal discontent, and a deteriorating economic situation. Pezeshkian has shown a proclivity for dialogue, particularly concerning Iran’s contentious nuclear program, hoping it would lead to resolutions for domestic issues as well.
Congratulatory messages have come from various global leaders, indicating a potential shift in international relations under Pezeshkian’s leadership. The Saudi Crown Prince expressed eagerness to strengthen ties, while the Russian President hoped for enhanced bilateral cooperation. However, the U.S. State Department was more cautious, acknowledging the election’s outcome but criticizing the electoral process’s fairness.
Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian defeated hardliner Saeed Jalili by nearly three million votes in Friday’s run-off#IranElection2024 pic.twitter.com/YFMJkJvTQ2
— The National (@TheNationalNews) July 6, 2024
Domestically, Pezeshkian’s reformist stance might introduce some social changes, although significant policy shifts are not guaranteed due to the concentrated power of the Supreme Leader, who holds the ultimate authority on state matters. His election also does not foresee a change in the contentious dynamics with Israel, with tensions remaining high amidst regional conflicts.
Pezeshkian’s past includes a tenure as a health minister and his vocal opposition to the use of force in religious enforcement, a stance that became particularly relevant during the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. These elements of his background, coupled with his personal tragedies and mixed ethnic heritage, have painted a complex portrait of a leader at a critical juncture for Iran.
Major Points
- Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate, won Iran’s presidential election with 53.6% of the votes in a runoff, defeating ultraconservative Saeed Jalili.
- Voter turnout was reported at 49.8%, marking the lowest participation since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979.
- Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei praised the conduct of the elections and encouraged Pezeshkian to follow in the footsteps of the previous president, Ebrahim Raisi.
- Pezeshkian has advocated for dialogue, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear program, as a means to address both international and domestic issues.
- The election victory has been recognized internationally, but significant challenges remain, including internal discontent and strained relations with Western nations and Israel.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
