Iran is set for a decisive runoff election this Friday as Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist, and Saeed Jalili, an ultraconservative, vie for the presidency after neither secured a majority in the first round. This election, which follows a year of significant political and economic turmoil in Iran, will determine the direction of the country’s policies on key issues such as economic reform and international relations.
Election Context
The need for a runoff arises from the unprecedented low voter turnout in the first round, where 60% of eligible voters abstained or submitted blank ballots, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the political status quo. This election is occurring a year earlier than planned due to the tragic death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May.
First-Round Results
In the initial round of voting, Dr. Pezeshkian led with 10.4 million votes (42.4%), followed closely by Mr. Jalili with 9.47 million votes (38.6%). The third-place candidate, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, who garnered 13.8% of the vote, has endorsed Mr. Jalili for the runoff, though it remains uncertain how his supporters will vote in the second round.
Candidate Profiles
Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian
Dr. Pezeshkian is a cardiac surgeon with a distinguished career in public service, including roles as a parliamentarian and Iran’s health minister. Known for his reformist stance, Dr. Pezeshkian has been an advocate for nuclear negotiations with the West, emphasizing the economic benefits of such discussions in light of U.S.-led sanctions affecting Iran’s economy.
His candidacy is notable as reformist figures were largely barred from participating in the 2021 presidential and recent parliamentary elections. Experts suggest his inclusion in the race by the Guardian Council, which oversees candidate eligibility, aims to boost voter engagement and legitimize the electoral process.
Endorsed by former President Mohammad Khatami, Dr. Pezeshkian has also criticized the government’s enforcement of strict hijab laws, especially after the widespread protests following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian Kurdish woman.
Saeed Jalili
Saeed Jalili, a hard-line conservative, is known for his staunch opposition to negotiations with the United States. A former nuclear negotiator, Mr. Jalili lost a leg in the Iran-Iraq war, earning him the moniker “the living martyr.” He aligns closely with Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and promotes a self-reliant economic strategy that dismisses the need for Western engagement.
Jalili’s policies reflect an ideological commitment to Iran’s independence from Western influence, advocating for a strong stance against any form of compromise in nuclear and foreign policy matters. His views on economic self-sufficiency have been critiqued by experts like Mehrzad Boroujerdi, who argue that they are impractical given Iran’s current economic situation.
The Path Forward
As Iranians head to the polls for the runoff, the choice between Dr. Pezeshkian’s reformist approach and Mr. Jalili’s ultraconservative stance presents a stark contrast in visions for Iran’s future. The outcome will have significant implications for the country’s domestic policies and international relations, especially concerning economic recovery and diplomatic engagements.
The election results are keenly awaited, with the potential to either signal a shift towards reform and openness or reinforce a hard-line conservative agenda.
