Iran held a presidential election on June 18, 2021, in which voters had the opportunity to choose their next leader. The election came at a critical time for the country, as it faces numerous challenges, including economic sanctions, political unrest, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The election featured four candidates, including the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, who was ineligible to run for a third consecutive term due to term limits. The other candidates were Ebrahim Raisi, the head of the judiciary and a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; Abdolnaser Hemmati, the former head of the central bank; and Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a member of parliament.
The election was closely watched both domestically and internationally, as Iran’s next president will play a key role in shaping the country’s future trajectory. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Iran’s relations with the rest of the world, particularly with the United States and other Western countries.
Despite the high stakes, voter turnout was relatively low, with only around 48% of eligible voters casting their ballots. Many Iranians boycotted the election, citing disillusionment with the political system and frustration with the lack of meaningful change.
In the end, Ebrahim Raisi emerged as the winner of the election, securing over 60% of the vote. Raisi is a hardline conservative with close ties to the country’s religious establishment. He has promised to tackle corruption and improve the economy, but his election has raised concerns among human rights activists, who accuse him of being involved in human rights abuses during his time as a judge.
The international community will be closely watching Raisi’s presidency to see how he handles Iran’s relations with the rest of the world, particularly with regard to the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States and other Western countries. Raisi’s election could signal a shift towards a more confrontational approach, which could further strain relations between Iran and the international community.
Overall, Iran’s presidential election was a significant event that will have far-reaching consequences for the country and its future direction. The outcome of the election will shape Iran’s domestic politics and its relations with the rest of the world for years to come.