Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran’s new president, defeating hardline conservative rival Saeed Jalili. Dr. Pezeshkian secured 53.3% of the more than 30 million votes counted, while Mr. Jalili received 44.3%.
The run-off election was held after no candidate secured a majority in the first round on 28 June, which saw a historically low voter turnout of 40%. The election followed the tragic death of Iran’s previous president, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash in May.
Even before the final results were announced by Iran’s interior ministry, Dr. Pezeshkian’s supporters celebrated in the streets of Tehran and other cities. Videos on social media showed mostly young people dancing and waving the green flag of his campaign, with cars honking in support.
Dr. Pezeshkian, a 71-year-old heart surgeon and member of the Iranian parliament, has been vocal against Iran’s notorious morality police and has promised “unity and cohesion” as well as an end to Iran’s “isolation” from the world. He advocates for “constructive negotiations” with Western powers to renew the 2015 nuclear deal, in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for easing Western sanctions.
His rival, Saeed Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator, is known for his hardline anti-Western stance and opposition to restoring the nuclear deal, which he believes crossed Iran’s “red lines.” Mr. Jalili enjoys strong support among Iran’s most religious communities and favors maintaining the status quo.
The latest round of voting saw a 50% turnout, higher than the first round but still low compared to previous elections. Widespread discontent led millions to boycott the elections, frustrated by the lack of candidate diversity and the perceived impossibility of real change under the supreme leader’s tight control.
Many who did not vote in the first round were persuaded to support Dr. Pezeshkian to prevent Mr. Jalili from becoming president, fearing that his victory would lead to increased confrontation with the outside world, more sanctions, and further isolation for Iran.
