Islamic Republic of Iran has finally elected her new President according to the result of the Fourteenth Presidential Election of the Islamic Republic of Iran, July 6th, 2024. He is Masoud Pezeshkian, Cardiac and Heart Surgeon, Ninth President Elect of the Islamic Republic of Iran. voters turnout was 49.8 % in the tight and tough contest.
The interior ministery of Iran has declared Masoud winner of a runoff vote against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili.Masoud is known as reformist and centrist parliamentarian who have earlier served as Minister Health and Medical Education.
Masoud secured 53.7% votes, or 16.3m out of more than 30 millions votes cast, while Saeed Jalili received 44.3 percent, or 13.5m. Jalili has accepted defeat and welcomed Masoud as the leader of Iran.
Saeed Jalili, former nuclear negotiator, strong advocate of strengthening relations with Russia and China has conceded defeat, saying anybody who is elected by the people must be respected. Not only should he be respected, but now we must use all our strength and help him move forward with strength, he told state television.
Born in 29 September 1954 (age 69), the President elect is student of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and now Full Professor at the same University. He was Minister of Health and Medical Education between 2001 and 2005. First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament from 2016 to 2020. He was Tabriz representative in the Parliament of Iran (2008).
Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to extend his hand to all Iranians in his first remarks since being declared winner. He posted on X on Saturday “The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy, and trust. I extend my hand to you,”
His remarks can be seen in the context that Irani society seems to be divided in clear two parts , reformers and conservatives. That is not weird if we see the composition of other large societies like USA , UK etc. A doctor and that a senior Surgeon and senior Parliamentarian as well, is supposed to deal amicably, the internal problems as well as external challenges.
It was a snap election after the sad demise of President Ebrahim Raisi in helicopter crash in May this year. June 28 ballot could attract only 40% of Irani voters to cast their votes. The run off on Friday even could bring a low turnout, that is almost 50 %.
Low turnout is not a good sign for Iran. Yes! people do not have more interest or activism in snap elections but Iran has been a different nation than others. They are committed people with their cause and country. Their country needed a leader ASAP but their turnout remained as if a good number of Iranian voters do not have interest or trust in present system. Lets see how much change the remarks of Saeed Jalili can bring in this state of affairs……
President elect has already mentioned to keep good working relationship with Religious Scholars and Security officials. It has been a major topic that most of the analysts of Irani politics had been discussing in the past, especially about Irani operations outside of Iran, in whole Middle East and recent tensions with Pakistan. Working with Saudia after China led reconciliation, Gaza and Israel will define how equal to the task is Masoud.
Aljazeera quoted Political analysts as saying Masoud’s triumph might see the promotion of a pragmatic foreign policy, ease tensions over the now-stalled negotiations with major powers to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and improve prospects for social liberalisation as well as political pluralism in Iran.
Finally , the success in election has pushed Masoud to more complicated tests of his ability as how to lead the nation through multi dimensional threats of security in the region. Iran’s position is better in comparison to the past. Iran has good relations with Russia and China.
The biggest rival USA is being led by 80 + leader whose memory is out of order. Large scale public protests have been staged in major cities of USA and Europe. Both are not in a position to start another international confrontation while Ukraine is prolonged to uncertain time.
European countries , Norway,Spain, Ireland have recognized Palestine as state. The myth of Impregnable Israel is the bygone history. Relations with Azerbaijan and Pakistan are exemplary. New President has many plus points to design the best take off.
Tazeen Akhtar
