Iranian Presidential Runoff: Pezeshkian vs Jalili

On Friday, Iranian voters will decide the next president in a runoff between little-known reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. The election follows the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi.

Pezeshkian vs Jalili: Key Points

Masoud Pezeshkian, aligned with moderate and reformist figures, aims to address the economic challenges exacerbated by Western sanctions. In contrast, Saeed Jalili, known for opposing the 2015 nuclear deal, pledges to revive talks and support the country’s industries.

Preference of Ayatollah

Speculations arise about the regime’s preference, with some analysts suggesting Pezeshkian as the chosen candidate, while others believe Jalili is favored by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba. The final decision lies with the supreme leader.

Low Turnout and Tehran’s Challenges

The first round’s low turnout reflects public discontent over economic hardships, political crackdowns, and regional tensions. Voters express skepticism about the presidency’s actual power and its impact on their lives.

Potential for Reforms?

Despite hopes for reforms under Pezeshkian, doubts persist about the system’s ability to bring substantial changes. Critics argue that without fundamental structural changes, any promises of reform may fall short of expectations.