Four Takeaways From Iran's Presidential Election

Iranian Presidential Election Sees Record-Low Turnout #

The recent presidential election in Iran witnessed a record-low number of voters, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the country’s clerical regime. The runoff, scheduled for July 5, will feature a reformist former health minister, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, and an ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili. However, neither candidate is expected to introduce significant changes as they must work under the approval of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The election saw a turnout of only 40%, lower than previous elections, as people express their frustrations with the ruling establishment’s handling of the economy, restrictions on freedoms, and international isolation. In the 2013 election, Iranians voted for reform with the hope of economic progress and increased social and political liberties.