Masoud Pezeshkian, a renowned Iranian reformer and former lawmaker, emerges as Iran's new leader after winning Iran’s presidential elections amid domestic tensions and international allegations. The former lawmaker secured 53.6% out of 30.5 million votes counted in Friday's runoff elections. The reformer thumped Saeed Jalili, a well-known ultraconservative Iranian figure who claimed 44.3% of the votes, to emerge as the county's national leader.
The first round of the elections similarly saw Pezeshkian win. However, it recorded the lowest voter turnout ever for the Islamic Republic. Consequently, a runoff was necessary to authenticate the people's choices. The runoff recorded an improved voter representation, reportedly placed at 49.8%.
Iran's New President Calls for Unity
During his victory speech last Saturday, the 69-year-old trained surgeon called for unity across various sectors in the country as the Iranians look forward to what Pezeshkian calls a new chapter after winning Iran’s 2024 elections. “Let’s come together, let’s stick together, let’s get united and work together,” he said.
"We would be able to deal with every aspect and area of the government: economic, financial, military, and social challenges," Pezeshkian said at the burial site of Imam Khomeini, the Republic's first leader. Reports claim that the reformer looks more poised to pursue domestic and international peace for the country, a dream many can only wish he realize.
The country faces increasing global isolation, domestic displeasure, and a sprawling economy amidst the threats of a direct conflict with Israel. However, Pezeshkian has some favored rapport with Iran's enemies, especially over its nuclear program, an asset he intends to leverage in addressing the country's internal challenges.
“Free and Fair Elections”?
Pezeshikan wins Iran’s presidential elections, emerging as the only reformist candidate running for the country's apex office after tens of other candidates were denied the chance to run in what the country's Khamenei, the country's Supreme leader, calls "free and fair elections."
Ayatollah Khamenei thanked all candidates, congratulating Pezeshkian while praising the country's democratic process. The elections became imminent after former President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash barely two months ago in Iran's north-western region. The passengers in the ill-fated flight also include the then-foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, alongside other officials. The Supreme Leader counseled Pezeshkian to continue in Raisi's path as the country awaits ratification from the Guardian Council on the elections toward a formal inauguration.
However, while the US State Department acknowledges that Pezeshikan won Iran’s presidential elections, it claims the elections were not "free and fair." According to a spokesperson for the Department, the United States doesn't expect the victory to significantly lead to a fundamental change in the country's general direction and approach to its citizens' human rights.
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian has received tons of congratulatory messages and acknowledgments from world leaders globally on his election success. Some global leaders who have sent congratulatory messages to Pezeshkian include heads of Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.
Resources:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/world/middleeast/iran-runoff-election.html&ved=2ahUKEwifq8GX-ZmHAxVGW0EAHbmBD0QQxfQBKAB6BAhhEAE&usg=AOvVaw0JhoS25eLNZkUnNTbgnr-a
- https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2024/7/6/world-leaders-congratulate-irans-pezeshkian-on-presidential-election-win&ved=2ahUKEwifq8GX-ZmHAxVGW0EAHbmBD0QQ0PADKAB6BAgVEAE&usg=AOvVaw2d09Ng-oNqZKhwZHn4DY2x
- https://apnews.com/article/iran-presidential-election-runoff-jalili-pezeshkian-results-8a10c940adc1259566791b549828a3fd&ved=2ahUKEwifq8GX-ZmHAxVGW0EAHbmBD0QQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2jP8WsOl3UvR2TXZCTB0GK