Iran’s upcoming presidential election on Friday will determine the country’s next leader, with the choice between ultraconservative Saeed Jalili and moderate Masoud Pezeshkian. The election comes after the death of conservative President Ebrahim Raisi and amid deep voter apathy, with record low turnout in the first round.
The election in Iran is tightly controlled, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei holding the most power over all affairs. Both candidates have different approaches: Jalili is a hard-headed ideologue who vows to overcome Western sanctions and strengthen ties with China and Russia, while Pezeshkian is a pragmatic and reform-minded former health minister who supports the 2015 nuclear deal.
Many Iranians doubt that their votes will lead to meaningful change due to economic woes, social restrictions, and corruption. The election is seen as a way to legitimize the ruling elite’s power and show stability in the face of tensions with Israel and U.S. sanctions. The next president will be closely involved in selecting Iran’s next supreme leader, making the election significant for the country’s future direction.
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