Iran’s presidential election in June 2022 is attracting particular attention as the country is still recovering from the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and several other political leaders.
The decision of the Guardian Council of the Constitution to endorse the speaker of parliament, as well as five other candidates for the presidential election, marks the start of an intensive and shortened electoral campaign. This follows the ongoing ban on former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known for his radical populism and use of repression during his disputed 2009 re-election.
This key step in the electoral process in Iran comes in a tense geopolitical context, characterized by growing tensions linked to the country’s nuclear program and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The selection of candidates approved by the Guardian Council, which is ultimately supervised by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, suggests the desire of the Shiite theocracy to facilitate the election, after recent polls marked by historically low participation.
No women or individuals advocating radical changes in the country’s governance were accepted as candidates, underscoring the persistent conservatism of Iran’s political system.
Candidates are expected to participate in televised debates, broadcast on Iran’s national channel, and engage in communications campaigns including public speeches and billboard announcements.
While the candidates have not yet revealed concrete details of their programs, all promise an improvement in the economic situation in Iran, which suffers from American and Western sanctions because of its nuclear program.
In this context, one candidate stands out: Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, former mayor of Tehran and influential figure in the Revolutionary Guards. His tumultuous past, including his participation in the violent repression of students in 1999, raises questions about his ability to bring the Iranian people together.
The disqualification of Ahmadinejad, due to his controversial positions and his critical attitude towards Khamenei, suggests divisions within the Iranian political regime.
The presidential election in Iran occurs in a complex regional and international context, marked by tensions between Iran and the West, as well as Tehran’s support for armed groups in the region. The recent conflict in Ukraine and the clashes in the Red Sea and the Gaza Strip highlight Iran’s key role in global geopolitics.
In conclusion, the presidential election in Iran will be a crucial moment for the country and its position on the international stage. There are many issues at stake, and the choice of the next president will influence not only the future of Iran, but also that of the entire region.