Iran Elects First Reformist President in Two Decades
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Iran has elected its first reformist president in two decades, with Masoud Pezeshkian winning the presidential election against hardliner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian secured 16.3 million votes in the run-off election, while Jalili received 13.5 million votes.
A New Era for Iran?
Pezeshkian’s victory is a significant turnaround for the reformist camp, which has been in the political wilderness for years. The increase in turnout, officially reported at 49.8%, compared to a record low of 40% in the first round, is a testament to the enthusiasm and hope among Iranian citizens for change.
The Challenges Ahead
However, Iran faces significant challenges, including simmering social and economic pressures, heightened tensions with the West, and the eventual succession of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 85-year-old supreme leader. As the president, Pezeshkian will have limited influence, but he will head key state bodies, appoint ministers, and manage the economy.
Pezeshkian’s Campaign Promises
During the campaign, Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon, promised to negotiate with the West to end the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program and seek sanctions relief to revive the economy. He also pledged to take a softer stance on social affairs, including restrictions on internet use and enforcement of wearing the hijab.
Will Pezeshkian Deliver?
Reformist analysts believe that Pezeshkian is predictable and will not seek to rock the boat. He has emphasized his religious beliefs and reiterated that he will follow Khamenei’s guidelines. However, any push for reforms is likely to face stiff resistance from hardliners who control the levers of the state.
The West’s Skepticism
The West will likely be skeptical that Pezeshkian’s victory will bring meaningful change, given the limited influence of the president and the control of unelected elements of the regime over key decisions.
Conclusion
Iran’s presidential election has brought a new era of hope and change to the country, but it is uncertain whether Pezeshkian will be able to deliver on his promises. The challenges ahead are significant, and it remains to be seen whether the new president will be able to navigate the complex political landscape and bring about meaningful reforms.
FAQs
Q: What is Masoud Pezeshkian’s plan for Iran’s nuclear program?
A: Pezeshkian has pledged to negotiate with the West to end the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program and seek sanctions relief to revive the economy.
Q: Will Pezeshkian be able to reform Iran’s social and economic policies?
A: Reformist analysts believe that Pezeshkian will take a softer stance on social affairs, including restrictions on internet use and enforcement of wearing the hijab, but it is uncertain whether he will be able to make significant changes given the limited influence of the president and the control of hardliners over key decisions.
Q: What is the significance of Pezeshkian’s victory for Iran and the West?
A: Pezeshkian’s victory is a significant moment for Iran, marking the first time a reformist has been elected president in two decades. For the West, it raises hopes that Iran may be more open to negotiations and cooperation, but skepticism remains about the limited influence of the president and the control of unelected elements of the regime over key decisions.
Q: What are the challenges facing Pezeshkian as president?
A: Pezeshkian will face significant challenges, including the need to address simmering social and economic pressures, heightened tensions with the West, and the eventual succession of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 85-year-old supreme leader.
Author: www.ft.com
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