Iranians Head to Polls Amid Crisis and Uncertainty Following President's Death

The Iranian presidential election is ongoing, with reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian leading the race. According to reports, Pezeshkian has received over 8.3 million votes from approximately 19 million ballots counted, while his closest competitor, hardline candidate Saeed Jalili, has garnered above 7.1 million votes. If no candidate reaches 50% of the vote, a second round will be required. The election is significant as it marks the first time in over two decades that a sitting president is not running for re-election.

Iranians went to the polls on Friday to elect a new president following the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi. The snap election comes amid domestic discontent, voter apathy, and regional turmoil. Over 61.5 million Iranians aged 18 and above were eligible to vote for a new leader. The election is seen as crucial for Iran's ruling clerics to maintain legitimacy after a decline in turnout reached crisis point last year, with fewer than 41% voting in parliamentary elections.