**Fatshimetry**
The political scene in Iran has been rocked by the results of the first round of the presidential election, which saw the victory of a reformist candidate and a looming battle between two diametrically opposed political opponents.
Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won the most votes in the first round of the presidential election, closely followed by ultra-conservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. None of the four candidates in the running obtained more than 50% of the votes, thus triggering a second round scheduled for July 5.
With a turnout of only 40%, this election recorded the lowest turnout since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Pezeshkian received 42.5% of the vote, edging Jalili with 38.6%. This result has cast doubt on popular support for a political system criticized for its lack of democracy.
This presidential race intensified after the tragedy of President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash last May. Two conservatives withdrew from the race a day before the election to bolster the chances of conservative candidates. Pezeshkian found himself as the only reformist candidate after many other contenders were dismissed by the Guardian Council.
Iran’s electoral process has recently been marred by some voter apathy, raising questions about popular sovereignty. Despite calls from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to go to the polls, the low turnout reflects widespread disenchantment among the population.
The choice between Pezeshkian and Jalili illustrates a deep political divide in Iran. As health minister under reformist President Mohammad Khatami, Pezeshkian took a stand against the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2009 and violence by morality police in 2022. His moderate stance could pave the way for more dialogue constructive with the West, particularly on nuclear and regional issues.
On the other hand, Jalili embodies the conservative wing, and his radical positions have made him a leading actor on the Iranian political scene. His experience as a former nuclear negotiator raises concerns about Iran’s foreign policy, particularly amid growing international tensions.
The confrontation between Pezeshkian and Jalili in the second round of the presidential election promises to be a crucial moment for Iran’s future. The stakes are high, and the voters’ choice will determine the country’s political trajectory for years to come. The outcome of this election could have repercussions on the international scene and redefine Iran’s relations with the rest of the world.
***Fatshimetrie*** is ready to closely follow this Iranian presidential election which promises major political twists and turns.
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