Tehran, 28 June 2024 (TDI): Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, kicked off the Iranian presidential election in the country’s capital on 28th June 2024. He called on the public to fully engage in the election to prove the state’s credibility.
“To prove the authenticity of the Islamic Republic system, the presence of the people is necessary and obligatory.”
Additionally, Khamenei urged for large participation to counteract a crisis of legitimacy fueled by public unhappiness about economic hardship and restrictions on political and social freedom.
“The durability, strength, dignity, and reputation of the Islamic republic depend on the presence of people.” After casting his ballot, Khamenei said, ” High turnout is a definite necessity.”
Today, Iran’s 61 million voters will select a new leader to replace former President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter accident in May. The polls opened at 8 a.m. in the morning and will remain open for voting till 6 p.m.
Iranian Presidential Election Candidates
Out of more than eighty candidates, only six passed the Guardian Council’s screening process. The Guardian Council is a group of jurists and clerics headed by the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Further on, four candidates will compete for the nation’s top leadership post despite last-minute withdrawals of two candidates. One of the front runners is Muhammad Baqer Qalibaf, who has experience as the Revolutionary Guard commander and Speaker of Parliament.
Saeed Jalili, a former Supreme National Security Council secretary, is another presidential candidate. Completing the slate are reformist Massoud Pezeshkian and revered cleric Mostafa Pourmohammadi.
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For the results to be definitive, one candidate must receive at least 50% plus one vote from all ballots cast, including blank votes. Otherwise, a run-off between the top two candidates will occur on the first Friday following the announcement of the election results.
