2024-07-06 11:41:43
Mohsen Eslamis, the representative of the Chief Election Commission, informed that M. Pezeshkian received more than 16 million. or 53.6 percent of all votes, and S. Jalilis – more than 13 million. out of approximately 30 million of votes cast. Voter turnout reached 49.8 percent.
It is reported that the number of spoiled ballots exceeded 600,000.
M. Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart surgeon, thanked his supporters who came to vote “with love” and “the desire to help” the country.
“We will extend a hand of friendship to everyone. We are all people of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country”, said the president-elect in an address on state television.
In the election debate, Mr. Pezeshkian called for maintaining “constructive relations” with Western countries in order to restore the nuclear deal and “break Iran out of isolation.”
He also vowed to ease years of internet restrictions and oppose police patrols of the streets to make headscarves compulsory for women “to the hilt”. The latter question became extremely relevant after the 2022 Mahsa Amini died in police custody.
New presidential elections were held in the country after President Ebrahimui Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in May.
In Iran’s power structure, the president is only second in importance, as the head of state is held by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all strategic matters. He is also the commander-in-chief of Iran’s armed forces.
2024-07-06 11:41:43