Iran is set to hold a runoff presidential election between a reformist candidate and a hard-line former nuclear negotiator after the results showed a record-low turnout. The runoff will see Masoud Pezeshkian, a little-known reformist, face off against Saeed Jalili, a hard-line candidate, as more than 60% of voters abstained from casting a ballot in the initial election.
With the runoff scheduled for July 5, Pezeshkian’s campaign will need to mobilize the electorate in a bid to counter public disillusionment with the political system amid economic hardships and mass protests. The election results revealed Pezeshkian received 10.4 million votes, while Jalili garnered 9.4 million, with the turnout at 39.9%.
The runoff election reflects public discontent and apathy towards the candidates and the political system, according to experts. The outcome will determine whether Pezeshkian can rally support against Jalili, who is known for his hard-line stances and rhetorical style.
The election process in Iran has faced criticism for excluding women and reformist voices, while international monitoring is absent. The voided votes and calls for a boycott underscore the widespread disenchantment with the electoral process among the Iranian populace. The upcoming runoff election will be crucial in shaping the country’s future trajectory amid regional tensions and nuclear concerns.