Tehran, 27 June 2024 – On Friday, Iranians will head to the polls to elect a new president following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. This election, largely controlled by the country's religious establishment, is expected to see a victory for a candidate close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The election comes amid heightened regional tensions due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, increased Western pressure to halt Iran's advancing nuclear program, and significant political, social, and economic unrest within the country.

After Raisi's tragic death last month, Mohammad Mokhbar, the vice president at the time, was appointed as interim president. In the run-up to the election, 80 candidates expressed interest in running for the presidency. The Guardian Council, known for its alignment with Khamenei, has approved six finalists: five conservatives and one moderate.

Approved Candidates:

1. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf - Speaker of Parliament

2. Saeed Jalili - Former nuclear negotiator

3. Mostafa Pour Mohammadi - Former Minister of Interior

4. Ali Reza Zakani - Mayor of Tehran

5. Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi - Current Vice President

6. Masoud Pezeshkian - Member of Parliament

At 85 years old, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's future successor is a topic of considerable speculation. The newly elected president could play a pivotal role in this succession process. However, Khamenei has not publicly endorsed any candidate. In a recent televised speech, he emphasized that those reliant on American favor are unfit to lead the country.

Khamenei's adviser, Yahya Rahim Safavi, a former head of the Revolutionary Guards, has urged voters to elect a president aligned with Khamenei's views. While the president of Iran holds a significant international profile, real power lies with the supreme leader, who has ultimate control over foreign and nuclear policy, the military, media, and various financial institutions.

As Iran navigates this period of uncertainty and potential transition, the outcome of this controlled election will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.

 

 

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