Tehran, June 28 2024 – In an unexpected turn of events, Iran is holding its presidential election today after the sudden death of President Ibrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. The election, initially scheduled for next June, has been moved up to fill the presidential post.

Voting began at 8 am local time and will continue until 6 pm. According to Iran International, several presidential candidates and senior officials have already cast their votes. The interior ministry reported that 61 million people inside and outside Iran are eligible to vote.

Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi stated that around 60,000 polling stations and 90,000 "voting points" have been set up across Iran to ensure a smooth voting process. Additionally, police are patrolling the entire country to maintain security during the elections.

Iranians living abroad are also participating in this election. Voting arrangements have been made at Iranian embassies in various countries, allowing expatriates to cast their votes.

The race has become more intense following the withdrawal of two candidates, Amir Hossain Hashemi and Ali Reza Zakini. The remaining candidates are the former head of the Revolutionary Guards and current Speaker Bagher Kalibaf, head of the Nuclear Mediation Party Said Jalili, former Minister of Interior Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, and reformist leader Masoud Pezeshkian. Bagher Kalibaf and Said Jalili are known to be close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

With the tragic backdrop of President Raisi's death, the election is being closely monitored. The interior ministry has ensured that comprehensive security measures are in place, with police patrolling various regions to prevent any unrest.

The world watches closely as Iran navigates this critical election, hoping for a smooth transition in its political leadership.