Voting Begins in Iran's Snap Presidential Election
Following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iranians are voting for a new president, while choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader at a time of growing public frustration.
Iran’s state TV said the election authority extended polls for two more hours until 10pm (18:30 GMT) local time. Authorities said the extension came “following the presence of people in polling stations”. Successive extensions are expected until nearly midnight.
The snap election coincides with escalating regional tensions due to the ongoing war between Israel and Iranian allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran’s first direct attack on Israel in April, and increased Western pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.
Although the election is unlikely to lead to significant changes in the Islamic Republic’s policies, its outcome could influence the succession of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s 85-year-old supreme leader, who has been in power since 1989.
A council of six scholars and six jurists aligned with Khamenei vets candidates, approving just six from an initial pool of 80, with two contenders subsequently dropping out.
Notable hardliners among the remaining candidates include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the parliament speaker and former commander of the IRGC air force, and Saeed Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator who served in Khamenei’s office for four years.
The sole comparative centrist, Masoud Pezeshkian, is faithful to Iran’s theocratic rule, but advocates detente with the West, economic reform, social liberalisation and political pluralism.
How Vital is Turnout?
Many Iranians did not vote earlier on Friday due to the weekend and hot weather, with reports suggesting that many cast their ballots in the evening during previous elections.
Voter turnout has significantly decreased over the past four years as the mostly young population grows frustrated with political and social restrictions.
Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr emphasized that voter turnout is crucial for the election outcome, as higher turnout would increase the chances for the sole reformist candidate.
The possibility of a second round is real due to the conservative vote being split. Turnout is also important for the establishment’s credibility.
Khamenei has urged for high voter participation to counteract a legitimacy crisis driven by public dissatisfaction with economic hardships and restrictions on political and social freedoms.
“The durability, strength, dignity and reputation of the Islamic Republic depend on the presence of people,” Khamenei told state television after casting his vote. “High turnout is a definite necessity.”
Interior Minister Ahmad said nearly 60,000 voting stations and 90,000 “voting points” were set up across the country, with more than 300 voting stations abroad.
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