Presidential election in Iran: Reformer Peseshkian narrowly ahead of Jalili according to initial results
If this trend toward a close outcome is confirmed and neither candidate manages to secure an absolute majority of votes, they will face each other in a runoff on July 5. Preliminary reports indicate that Peseschkian and Jalili were significantly ahead, with Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the conservative parliament president, following closely behind with 1.89 million votes. Mostafa Purmohammadi, a cleric, trailed far behind with only about 112,000 votes.
The election authorities of the Islamic Republic made no statements regarding voter turnout. Approximately 61 million women and men were called to vote on Friday.
The presidential election, which had originally been scheduled for 2025, was brought forward following the May 19 helicopter crash that took the life of conservative incumbent Ebrahim Raisi. The vote is being closely watched abroad due to Iran's significant political influence in the region and its involvement in various conflicts, such as the Gaza War.
Political power in Iran has rested with the spiritual leader of the country since the Revolution in 1979. The president is responsible for implementing the political guidelines set by the spiritual leader.
- In the presidential election, reformer candidate Peseschkian and conservative contender Jalili emerged as frontrunners, potentially requiring a run-off election on July 5 if neither receives an outright majority.
- Preliminary results suggest that Jalili, alongside Peseschkian, performed exceptionally well in the election, while conservative parliament president Ghalibaf secured a considerable number of votes, ahead of cleric Mostafa Purmohammadi by a substantial margin.
- If the run-off election between Peseschkian and Jalili is necessary, the reformer's performance in the initial vote could position him for a potential victory, given his close proximity to the top spot.
- Regarding the previously postponed presidential election, which was moved up after the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Ebrahim Raisi in May, former competitor Said Jalili has been a significant player in the political landscape of Iran.
- Iran, under the watchful eyes of the international community because of its significant political influence and involvement in regional conflicts like the Gaza War, awaits the conclusive results of the presidential election, which will likely shape the future of the country.
