pictureEven when the regime unexpectedly endorsed a moderate candidate, many Iranians declined to participate in the presidential election, suspecting that the authorities would likely outlaw their vote if it really changed anything. This was reflected in the record low voter turnout in the first round, just 39.9 percent.
But Massoud Pezeshkian made it to the second round, where he won in a landslide victory over hardline opponent Saeed Jalili, 16.3 million votes to 13.5 million. Though some boycotted the runoff, turnout soared to 49.8 percent as people realized Pezeshkian, a former heart surgeon and health minister, could come out on top.
Pezeshkian, who has the backing of reformists, has called for the lifting of some of the internet restrictions and for the compulsory hijab law that sparked the brutally suppressed “Women, Life and Freedom” protests, and said she would lobby Western countries to ease sanctions that are crippling Iran’s economy.
Unlike many reformist candidates, Pezechkian has generally focused on social justice and inequality rather than political freedom, and his reputation as a “clean” man in a corrupt system has won him the support of some working-class conservatives, some of whom may have turned to him because they were tired of the infighting among themselves, analysts say. His team went door-to-door tirelessly, canvassing and Street Campaign.
The president’s powers are limited, and Pezechkian acknowledged the need for realism on Sunday. caveat “We make promises and then we don’t deliver,” say moderates. “That’s our biggest problem.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds ultimate power, and his advanced age and poor health could soon destabilize the political system. Revolutionary Guard Pezeshkian not only has great influence over foreign policy, but also has vested interests to protect. His predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, was a political figure whose death in a helicopter crash sparked the election, but Pezeshkian kept a low profile before the election. However, Pezeshkian has an experienced team around him, including former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. Zarif’s support is key to Pezeshkian’s success and is likely to play a key role.
This could prove crucial amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with fears of all-out war between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel growing and the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House after withdrawing the US from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Importantly, Pezechkian’s candidacy and victory suggest that both the Iranian regime and its people may have seized the opportunity presented by Raisi’s death. Re-engage the disgruntledand possibly Stabilize relations with the WestThe latter hope to improve their standard of living and regain some of the breathing space and agency that has been taken from them.
With pressure growing on Joe Biden to give up reelection, the current U.S. administration has even less room to negotiate with Iran. European diplomats have done a good job strengthening ties and reducing the risks of nuclear proliferation, but they need to redouble their efforts. Pezeshkian’s unexpected victory offers some hope to the Iranian people and those outside Iran, especially since his rival ideologically strong Former negotiator who opposed the 2015 nuclear deal. You shouldn’t overestimate an opportunity, but no matter how small it may be, you have to grab it.
