Post by : Raina Mansoor
Tehran: Iran's reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian emerged victorious in the runoff presidential election against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, as announced by the interior ministry on Saturday. This election was called early following the untimely death of ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
Pezeshkian garnered over 16 million votes, while Jalili received more than 13 million out of approximately 30 million votes cast, according to electoral authority spokesman Mohsen Eslami. The voter turnout stood at 49.8 percent, with more than 600,000 spoiled ballots reported.
In his victory speech on state television, Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "We will extend the hand of friendship to everyone; we are all people of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country."
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
The election, which followed a first round marked by historically low turnout last week, saw Pezeshkian, the only reformist candidate permitted to run, securing around 42 percent of the votes, while Jalili came in second with approximately 39 percent.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority, had called for a higher turnout in the runoff, emphasizing the significance of the election. He acknowledged the lower-than-expected turnout in the first round but stated that it was not an act "against the system."
The election unfolded against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions due to the Gaza war, ongoing disputes with the West over Iran's nuclear program, and domestic dissatisfaction over the state of Iran's sanctions-hit economy.
The low turnout in the first round, where only 40 percent of Iran's 61 million eligible voters participated, marked the lowest in any presidential election since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. This low participation underscored the widespread discontent and apathy among the electorate.
Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart surgeon, has called for "constructive relations" with Western countries to revive the nuclear deal and alleviate Iran's isolation. His candidacy, endorsed by Iran's main reformist coalition and former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, has rekindled hopes among reformists after years of conservative and ultraconservative dominance.
Jalili, 58, Iran's former nuclear negotiator known for his staunch anti-West stance, managed to rally a significant base of hardline supporters and received backing from other conservative figures.
In the lead-up to the runoff, Pezeshkian and Jalili participated in two televised debates, discussing the low voter turnout, Iran's economic challenges, international relations, and internet restrictions. Pezeshkian pledged to ease long-standing internet restrictions and fully oppose police patrols enforcing the mandatory headscarf for women, a contentious issue since the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022.
The death of 22-year-old Amini, an Iranian Kurd detained for an alleged breach of the dress code, sparked months of nationwide unrest, highlighting deep societal divisions and the urgent need for reform. Pezeshkian's victory marks a significant shift in Iran's political landscape, offering a potential new direction for the country's future.
Canada Unveils Investment to Ignite Digital Health Progress
Canada allocates over $815K to advance digital health, fostering growth and job creation, with a foc
Oman Celebrates World Medical Laboratory Day in 2026
Oman recognizes World Medical Laboratory Day, underscoring the vital contributions of labs to health
Global Leaders Demand Safety Measures for Aid Workers in Lebanon
Countries including Canada urge secure conditions for aid workers in Lebanon while calling for lasti
Trump Proposes New Judicial Candidates to Senate
President Trump has presented a series of judicial nominees to the Senate, aiming to fill critical j
UN Chief Promotes Urgent Talks on Middle East Tensions
Antonio Guterres emphasizes diplomacy and a ceasefire to ease US-Iran tensions amidst rising conflic
Melania Trump Greenlights Unique Art Loan for Global Showcase
A rare Whistler artwork will be featured in major exhibitions across Europe, representing American a
Enhanced Tax Refunds Provide US Families with Financial Relief
US tax reforms are yielding bigger refunds for families, bolstering savings and confidence as they a
WhatsApp Down Today? Users Report Strange Issue Worldwide
WhatsApp users report message delays and strange issues worldwide. Find out what happened, why it oc
Is Your Phone Spying on You? 6 Android Settings to Turn Off Now
Worried your phone is spying on you? Learn 6 Android settings to turn off now to protect your privac
7 Protein-Rich Indian Foods You Should Add to Your Daily Diet
Discover 7 protein-rich Indian foods to boost your daily protein intake naturally without supplement
Is It Safe to Keep Laptop Plugged In All the Time? Battery Truth Explained
Is it safe to keep your laptop plugged in all day? Learn the truth about battery health, charging ha
Actual Cost of Living in Dubai for a Family : Rent, School Fees & Monthly Expenses
Discover the real cost of living in Dubai for a small family in 2026, including rent, school fees, g
Asha Bhosle Legacy (1933–2026): Iconic Songs, Life Story & 8 Decades of Indian Music
Explore the legendary journey of Asha Bhosle, her timeless songs, struggles, achievements, and impac
What Are Some High-Income Skills I Can Learn From Home?
Learn high-income skills from home like writing, digital marketing, and design to start earning onli
What Happens If You Skip Breakfast Every Day? The Silent Damage Your Body Feels
Skipping breakfast daily? Discover how it affects your energy, mood, metabolism, and eating habits i