Iranians Head to Polls in Presidential Election Amidst National Tragedy
Over 61 Million Eligible Voters to Decide Among Four Remaining Candidates as Polling Stations Open in 95 Countries.
Voting Underway in Iran and Across the Globe to Elect New Leader Following President Raeisi’s Tragic Death
Tehran — Polling stations across Iran and various global locations have opened today as Iranians vote to elect a new president, succeeding the late President Ebrahim Raeisi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash last month. The elections, taking place under extraordinary circumstances, see a voter base of 61,452,321 eligible individuals.
Shahcheraghi, Head of Iran’s Election Headquarters, announced that approximately 60,000 polling stations have been established for the election. Equipment and facilities have been dispatched to various provinces to ensure a smooth voting process. The polling stations opened at 8:00 AM local time, with voters required to present identification to cast their ballots.
In a televised interview, Mohsen Eslami, Secretary and Spokesperson for the Election Headquarters, detailed that 58,640 polling stations have been set up nationwide, comprising 24,522 urban and 24,118 rural stations. Of these, 43,425 are stationary, while 15,215 are mobile. Additionally, 340 polling stations have been established across 100 countries for Iranian expatriates.
Withdrawals and Remaining Candidates
The election follows the withdrawal of two candidates, Alireza Zakani and Amir-Hossein Ghazi-Zadeh Hashemi. The remaining candidates are Masoud Pezeshkian, Mustafa Pour-Mohammadi, Saeed Jalili, and Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.
Global Participation
Iranian nationals in cities worldwide, such as Bonn, Germany, and across 95 countries, have begun casting their ballots. The Guardian Council’s spokesman, Hadi Tahan Nazif, confirmed the global extent of the voting process.
Prominent Figures Cast Their Votes
Among the prominent figures casting their votes early was interim President Mohammad Mokhber, who voted at the Ministry of Interior and subsequently visited the election headquarters. Mokhber emphasized the integrity and security of the voting process, ensuring no violations or errors.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, also cast his ballot in Tehran, urging citizens to vote as a “definite necessity” for the nation’s well-being and international reputation. He highlighted the importance of voter turnout for the durability and honor of the Islamic Republic.
Nationwide and International Readiness
Shahcheraghi reiterated the readiness of the election infrastructure, with all necessary measures taken to facilitate a smooth and efficient voting process. The election, marking Iran’s 14th presidential vote, is conducted amidst the national mourning of President Raeisi’s passing, underscoring the resilience and democratic spirit of the Iranian people.
As the nation and its expatriates engage in this pivotal electoral process, the world watches closely to see the outcome of Iran’s leadership transition amidst a period of profound national grief and reflection.
