Turkish Candidate Impacts Iranian Elections: Pezeshkiyan’s Supporters Protest in the Streets
Iranian Turk Masoud Pezeshkian emerged victorious in the second round of the Iranian presidential election, defeating conservative candidate Said Jalili. With over 30 million votes cast, Pezeshkian secured 53.3 percent of the votes, marking the first time an Iranian Turk has been elected president in the country.
In his first post-election statement, Pezeshkian reassured the Iranian people, expressing his commitment to standing by them and promising not to abandon them on this journey. The election process began on June 28 with the first round, where Pezeshkian garnered 42.5 percent of the vote, leading to a runoff with Jalili, who received 38.6 percent.
The voter turnout in the first round was at 40 percent, the lowest since the 1979 Islamic revolution. However, in the second round, the turnout rose to 50 percent. The election was necessitated by the tragic death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May.
Following Pezeshkian’s victory, his supporters took to the streets in various cities, celebrating his win before the official results were announced. Videos circulating on social media depicted jubilant scenes of young people dancing and waving Pezeshkian’s green flag, with cars honking in solidarity.
Born in Mahabad, a predominantly Sunni Kurdish town in Iran, Pezeshkian proudly embraces his Turkish identity. A heart surgery specialist and former Minister of Health, Pezeshkian has been a vocal critic of the political climate and corruption in Iran. He has pledged to improve relations with the West and resume nuclear talks to alleviate the economic impact of sanctions on Iran.
Tragically, Pezeshkian experienced personal loss when his wife and one child perished in a traffic accident in 1994. Despite this tragedy, he raised his remaining children single-handedly. This tale of resilience and dedication has resonated with many Iranians.
In a race that initially featured six candidates approved by the regime, Pezeshkian emerged as the victor after a rigorous vetting process overseen by the influential Guardian Council. As Iran embarks on a new chapter with Masoud Pezeshkian at the helm, the nation looks towards a future of change and progress under his leadership.
