DUBAI: Iranians voted for a new president on Friday following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from four candidates at a time of growing Western pressure.

The election coincides with escalating regional tension due to war between Israel and Iran’s allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as increased Western pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme.

While the election is unlikely to bring a major shift in the Islamic Republic’s policies, its outcome could influence the succession to Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s 85-year-old Supreme Leader, in power since 1989.

Ayatollah Khamenei called for a high turnout to offset a crisis fuelled by public discontent over economic hardships triggered by Western sanctions.

All four candidates have vowed to revive flagging economy

“The durability, strength, dignity and reputation of the Islamic Republic depend on people’s presence,” Ayatollah Khamenei told media after casting his vote. “High turnout is a definite necessity.” The next president is not expected to usher in any major policy shift on Iran’s nuclear programme or support for militia groups across the Middle East, since the Supreme Leader calls all the shots on top state matters.

However, the president runs the government day-to-day affairs and can influence Iran’s foreign and domestic policy.

A watchdog body made up of six religious scholars and six jurists aligned with Ayatollah Khamenei vets candidates, and approved only six from an initial pool of 80 candidates. Two candidates subsequently dropped out.

Three candidates are conservatives and one is a low-profile moderate, backed by the reformist faction.

Polling was extended two times for a total of four extra hours until 1830 GMT because people wanted to vote, state TV said.

All four candidates have vowed to revive the flagging economy, beset by sanctions re-imposed since 2018 after the United States ditched Tehran’s 2015 nuclear pact with six world powers.

“I think Jalili is the only candidate who raised the issue of justice, fighting corruption and giving value to the poor ... Most importantly he does not link Iran’s foreign policy to the nuclear deal,” said Farzan, a 45-year-old artist in the city of Karaj.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2024