Politics: 2024 Presidential Election

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran's presidential election, securing 53.3% of the vote and defeating his conservative rival Saeed Jalili, the national election authority announced on 06 July 2024. With all ballots counted, Pezeshkian secured 16.4 million votes, while Jalili received 13.5 million votes, Press TV reports. Turnout was 30.5 million, or 49.8% of the 61 million eligible voters, according to a final update at 6:45 am local time (3:15 GMT). The snap election was called after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province on May 19. According to Iranian law, a candidate needs to garner at least 50% plus one vote; thus, after no candidate achieved this in the first round on June 28, the election headed into a runoff between the top two candidates. The snap presidential election in Iran headed into a run-off next week after reformist-backed Masoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili emerged at the top but failed to secure a majority in a vote with a record-low turnout. Only 40 percent of more than 61 million eligible Iranians voted, the Ministry of Interior said on Saturday, a new low in presidential elections since the country’s 1979 revolution. The final numbers from election headquarters at the ministry showed that the moderate Pezeshkian received more than 10.41 million votes from a total of more than 24.5 million ballots counted, trailed by former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili with 9.47 million votes. This is only the second time since the 1979 revolution that a presidential election has gone to a second round.

Conservative Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with 3.38 million votes, and conservative Islamic leader Mostafa Pourmohammadi, with 206,397 votes, were knocked out of the race. Two other candidates, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and government official Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, dropped out. Ghalibaf, Zakani and Ghazizadeh called on their supporters to vote for Jalili in the run-off next Friday in order to ensure victory for the “revolution front”.

A higher turnout appears likely when Iranians vote in the July 5 run-off since it would present a clearer choice between two opposing camps. That would mostly benefit Pezeshkian, who would need more votes to defeat the combined forces of the conservative and hardliner camps.

Elections took place June 28. The list of the six final candidates for the post of president in Iran was announced by the Ministry of Interior on 09 June 2024. The presidential hopefuls include Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, Saeed Jalili, Masoud Pezeshkian, Mostafa Poormohammadi, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Alireza Zakani. The prominent applicants disqualified from the presidential race include former Parliament speaker Ali Larijani and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The Constitutional Council vetted 80 individuals who had put in requests for candidacy in the upcoming presidential election. Hundreds of individuals put in requests for candidacy, while only 80, including four women, had met the eligibility criteria to register.

According to Mohsen Eslami, a representative of the election headquarters under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic, the selection was made by the Speaker of the Parliament (Majlis) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Mayor of Tehran Alireza Zakani and the representative of the spiritual leader in the Security Council of the Islamic Republic Said Jalili. MP Masoud Pezeshkiyan, former Iranian prosecutor Mustafa Pourmohammadi and Vice President Ghazizadeh Hashemi also received the right to participate in the presidential race. Thus, former speaker of parliament Ali Larijani, who belongs to the moderate wing, and ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were not allowed to participate in the elections.

Earlier, the state TV channel IRIB reported that the Council of Guardians of the Iranian Constitution had completed the selection of candidates to participate in early presidential elections in the Islamic Republic in connection with the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. From May 30 to June 3, candidate registration took place in the country; out of 278 people, the election commission accepted documents from only 80 politicians.

Iran analyst and journalist Morad Vaisi believed the Islamic Republic is about to enter its third phase. “The first phase was about the left versus the religious right; the second phase was reformists against fundamentalists. The third phase involves military and security personnel,” Vaisi told Iran International. “In the upcoming elections, we will not see any other faction members running; it will probably be someone among the military and security figures,” he added.

The 'reformists' must be somewhat disappointed as only one of their official candidates has his credentials approved, Iranian analyst and Iran International contributor Behruz Turani said. The only reform-minded candidate, Pezeshkian's chances to win the presidency is uncertain because of his ethnic voter base, something that Khamenei is known to detest. The final battle will be among "revolutionary" Jalili, insider Ghalibaf, and ambitious Zakani, observers say. Khamenei sees no difference among them although he definitely does not like Jalili's link to the over-ambitious and ultra-hardliner Paydari party, Turani argued.

Masoud Pezeshkian

Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian politician and physician who has held various significant positions in the Iranian government. Born on Mehr 7, 1333 in West Azarbaijan province, is a reformist politician, the first vice president of the 10th term of the Islamic Council and a representative of the people of Tabriz, Azarshahr and Esku. He was the representative of the same constituency in the 9th and 8th terms as well as the minister of health in the 8th government. He completed his primary education in his hometown of Mahabad, West Azarbaijan, and then went to the capital of the province and received a diploma in food industry at Urmia Agricultural Academy.

Pezeshkian is known for his moderate and reformist views, often advocating for policies that aim to modernize Iran's healthcare system and improve public welfare. His reformist stance sometimes puts him at odds with more conservative elements within Iranian politics. Before his involvement in politics, Pezeshkian was a practicing physician and a professor. His medical background has influenced his political focus, particularly on health-related policies and reforms.

Pezeshkian served as one of the Vice Speakers of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), where he was involved in legislative activities and parliamentary leadership. He served as the Minister of Health and Medical Education from 2001 to 2005 during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami. In this role, Pezeshkian focused on improving Iran's healthcare system and medical education infrastructure. Pezeshkian has been elected as a member of the Iranian Parliament multiple times, representing the city of Tabriz. His work in the parliament includes advocating for healthcare reforms and various social issues.

At the public meeting of the Majlis on March 7, 2015, the doctor said: He is grateful that God made him a Turk, and no one has the right to make fun of the "language and culture of the Turks". According to Article 15 of the Constitution, Turks and other ethnic groups in Iran must be able to write, speak and learn in their own language in schools. Pezeshkian supports teaching of Azerbaijani language in Iranian schools. During the Mahsa Amini protests in September 2022, Pezeshkian said in an interview, "It is our fault. We want to implement religious faith through the use of force. This is scientifically impossible."

Saeed Jalili

Saeed Jalili is an Iranian conservative politician and diplomat, known for his hardline stances and close alignment with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Jalili ran for president in the 2013 and 2021 Iranian presidential elections. Although he was not successful in either bid, his campaigns underscored his commitment to conservative principles and his loyalty to Khamenei. Born on September 6, 1965, in Mashhad, Iran, Jalili holds a PhD in political science from Imam Sadeq University in Tehran. His academic background has influenced his approach to both domestic and foreign policy, emphasizing ideological commitment and strategic resistance. Jalili has had a significant career in Iran's political and diplomatic spheres. Jalili served as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council from 2007 to 2013. This position made him Iran's chief nuclear negotiator during a critical period in the international negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.

As Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Jalili was known for his staunch stance on Iran's right to enrich uranium and his resistance to Western pressures. His tenure was marked by a lack of significant progress in the negotiations, reflecting his rigid approach to Iran's nuclear policy. Jalili is a prominent figure within Iran's conservative political faction. He advocates for the preservation of the Islamic Republic's ideological foundations and opposes any significant reforms that could alter its current political and social structure. His views are closely aligned with those of Ayatollah Khamenei, and he is often seen as a representative of the Supreme Leader's vision for Iran's future.

Within Iran, Jalili is respected among conservative circles but is often criticized by reformists and moderates for his uncompromising positions. Internationally, he is viewed as a hardliner who played a significant role in the tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. Saeed Jalili remains an influential figure in Iran's political landscape, particularly within conservative and hardline factions. His career reflects the broader ideological battles within the Iranian government and the ongoing challenges in its international relations, especially concerning the nuclear issue.

Eliminated in First Round

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf is a prominent Iranian politician, military officer, and public figure, known for his extensive career in both military and civilian roles. Qalibaf has run for president multiple times in 2005, 2013, and 2017 . Although he has not been successful in these bids, his campaigns have underscored his prominence within conservative political circles and his persistent influence in Iranian politics. Qalibaf is a staunch conservative, closely aligned with the principles of the Islamic Republic. His policies often emphasize national security, economic resilience, and infrastructural development, reflecting his background in both military and urban administration. Despite his conservative stance, Qalibaf has also shown pragmatic tendencies, particularly in his efforts to modernize Tehran and improve public services. This balance between conservatism and pragmatism has helped him maintain a significant base of support.

Born on August 23, 1961, in Torqabeh, near Mashhad, Iran, Qalibaf holds a PhD in political geography from Tarbiat Modares University. His academic background has supported his approach to urban planning and governance during his tenure as mayor and his subsequent political roles.

Qalibaf has held several key positions in the Iranian government and military. Qalibaf started his career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), where he rose through the ranks during the Iran-Iraq War. His military background has significantly influenced his leadership style and his approach to governance. Qalibaf served as the commander of the IRGC Air Force from 1997 to 2000, showcasing his leadership in one of Iran's key military branches. After his tenure in the IRGC Air Force, Qalibaf became the Chief of the Iranian Police (Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran) from 2000 to 2005, focusing on modernizing the police force and improving its operational capabilities.

One of Qalibaf's most notable roles was serving as the Mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017. During his time as mayor, he focused on urban development, infrastructure projects, and modernization of the city's services, although his tenure also faced criticism over issues such as corruption and transparency. Since May 2020, Qalibaf has been serving as the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis / Parliament). In this role, he has significant influence over legislative processes and plays a key part in shaping national policies.

Qalibaf is a well-known and influential figure in Iran. His long tenure in various high-profile roles has given him a substantial public profile. While he enjoys considerable support within conservative circles, he has also faced criticism from reformists and moderates, particularly regarding issues of governance and corruption. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf's career highlights his extensive experience in both military and civilian roles, making him a key player in Iran's political landscape. His work in urban development, legislative leadership, and his repeated bids for the presidency underscore his enduring influence and ambition in Iranian politics.

Mostafa Poormohammadi

Mostafa Pourmohammadi is an Iranian politician and cleric known for his involvement in various governmental and judicial roles within the Islamic Republic of Iran. He has served in multiple high-profile positions. Pourmohammadi served as the Minister of Justice from 2013 to 2017 during the presidency of Hassan Rouhani. His tenure in this role was marked by efforts to address corruption and improve the efficiency of the judicial system. Before his role as Minister of Justice, Pourmohammadi was the Minister of the Interior from 2005 to 2008 under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His time in this position involved overseeing internal security and domestic affairs. He also served as the head of the National Inspection Organization, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of laws and regulations and combating corruption within the government.

Pourmohammadi was born in Qom in 1959. He attended the seminary from an early age. Before Iran’s 1979 revolution he was a student at Haqqani school in Qom, where most of the regime’s top officials and clerics studied. Months after the 1979 revolution, Pourmohammadi was dispatched to Khuzestan, southwest Iran, as the province’s “Prosecutor of the Revolutionary Court.” According to eyewitnesses, Mostafa Pourmohammadi sentenced more than 300 prisoners to death in Bandar Abbas Prison, including 16- and 17-year-olds. Pourmohammadi was only 20 years of age at that time.

Pourmohammadi's career has been controversial, particularly due to his involvement in the 1988 mass executions of political prisoners in Iran. These executions targeted members of opposition groups and have been a subject of significant human rights concerns and criticisms. Most of the victims were members and supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Pourmohammadi's association with these events has cast a long shadow over his political and judicial career, attracting condemnation from various human rights organizations and activists. Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri saw Pourmohammadi as being "a central figure" in the mass executions of prisoners in Tehran. In 2016, Mohammadi said: "We are proud to have carried out God’s commandment concerning the People's Mujahedin of Iran… I am at peace and have not lost any sleep all these years because I acted in accordance with law and Islam".

Pourmohammadi was quoted on 28 August 2016 by the state-run Tasnim news agency as saying: “God commanded to show no mercy to the nonbelievers because they will not show mercy to you either and there should be no mercy to the [PMOI] because if they could, they would spill your blood, which they did. We are proud to have carried out God’s commandment about the [Mojahedin] and to have stood with strength and fought against the enemies of God and the people.”

Pour-Mohammadi is among the Principalists whose name is mentioned these days as a candidate for the presidency. In this regard, he has said that, “If God wills and the atmosphere is proper, I will announce my candidacy for the president as a soldier of the Velayat. And when I enter the scene, I will propose my programs.” He further reiterated, “Anyone who intends to become the president must change the domestic situation of the country.” And further added, “Anyone who enters this scene must reform and improve the present situation, and this is a public demand and people expect the next president to take measures in this regard.”

Dropouts

Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi

Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi is an Iranian politician and physician who has held several notable positions within the Iranian government. He ran for president in the 2021 Iranian presidential election. Although he was not successful, his candidacy highlighted his prominence within conservative political circles. Qazizadeh Hashemi is known for his conservative views aligned with the principles of the Islamic Republic, and advocating for policies that reflect these values. His political career has been marked by a focus on social and economic issues, particularly those affecting veterans and their families.

The 2021 cycle marked Principlist Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh’s first bid for the presidency. His campaign platform is the “government of peace,” calling for “dialogue between the administration and the people.” . He was a member of the Islamic Revolution Steadfastness Front, a notable “hardline” faction of which presidential candidate Saeed Jalili has been a member, and was its spokesman for about a year. Ghazizadeh had joined the recently formed Islamic Law Party.

In September 2021, Qazizadeh Hashemi was appointed as the Vice President of Iran and the head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a significant organization that supports the families of those who died or were injured during the Iran-Iraq War and other conflicts. Qazizadeh Hashemi has served multiple terms as a member of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), representing the city of Mashhad. During his time in parliament, he has been involved in various legislative activities and committees. Like several other Iranian politicians, Qazizadeh Hashemi has a background in medicine. He is a trained physician, and his medical expertise has influenced his approach to healthcare policy and public health issues.

As a relatively unknown public figure, he faced an uphill battle to attract votes from the rest of the Iranian population.

On 26 June 2024 principlist candidate Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, 53, pulled out from the race. Hashemi is current serving as the vice president. Hashemi said his decision aims to “preserve the unity of the forces of the revolution,” and strengthen the principlist front.

Alireza Zakani

Alireza Zakani is an Iranian conservative politician and a former member of the Iranian Parliament. He is known for his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Student Basij, and his hardline political stance. Zakani has been involved in various political and academic activities, and he is often vocal on issues related to national security, foreign policy, and internal politics. His political career includes serving as the Chair of the Supreme Assembly of Basij nationwide, and Member of Parliament (7th term), Tehran (Tehran Province) since 2004. He is mayor of Tehran, a position he assumed in August 2021. Zakani's political actions and statements have sometimes been controversial, reflecting the broader tensions within Iranian politics between reformist and conservative factions. He has been an advocate for maintaining strict adherence to the principles of the Islamic Republic and has criticized reformist approaches that seek to liberalize Iran's political and social landscape.

Alireza Zakani is responsible for threatening and limiting women due to non-compliance with hijab rules, in his position as Mayor of Tehran. Zakani is accused of in the institutionalising gender discrimination due to banning women without hijab from public spaces and public services. Zakani said : "Hijab is a legal and religious matter; we are proud to oversee it with precision and discretion.""

On 27 June 2024, Iranian presidential candidate Alireza Zakani pulled out of the race, becoming the second nominee to announce his withdrawal ahead of the election scheduled for Friday. akani, 58, the incumbent mayor of the Iranian capital Tehran, announced his pullout on social media X, and asked fellow principlist candidates, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Saeed Jalili, to unite in order to prevent the ascent of a reform-leaning candidate.