Hardliner takes narrow lead in Iranian election
In Iran’s presidential election, Saeed Jalili, a hardline candidate and former nuclear negotiator, has emerged with a slight lead according to early government announcements.
With over 8 million ballots counted, Jalili holds nearly 42% of the vote. Predictions suggest a second round will be necessary, scheduled for next Friday.
Meanwhile, there was violence reported as two security force members were killed in an attack on a vehicle carrying election boxes in Sistan-Baluchestan province by unidentified gunmen, according to state media.
The election results have been surprising, with reformist candidate Massoud Pezeshkian, previously leading, now trailing with just over 40%.
Pezeshkian, a former heart surgeon and health minister, has criticized the morality police for their enforcement of strict dress codes on women, calling their actions “immoral.”
A run-off vote will occur if no candidate secures more than 50% of all ballots cast in the first round. This election follows the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, along with seven others.
Despite 61.5 million eligible voters in Iran, turnout is expected to be low, reflecting recent trends seen in parliamentary and previous presidential elections.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged for “maximum” turnout, underscoring the significance of civic participation in the electoral process.
Iran was shaken by a huge wave of protests in 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by the morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code.
Human rights groups say hundreds were killed in the crackdown and thousands detained.
