In a landmark runoff election, reformist Masoud Pezeshkian has been elected as Iran's new president, defeating hardline conservative Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian secured more than 16 million votes out of over 30 million cast, while Jalili received over 13 million.
A New Beginning: Pezeshkian's Vision for Iran
In his first remarks after the victory, Pezeshkian emphasized his commitment to serving all Iranians. \"The difficult path ahead will not be smooth except with your companionship, empathy, and trust,\" he stated in a tweet on X. \"I extend my hand towards you and swear on my honor that I will not leave you alone on this path. Don't leave me alone.\"
A former heart surgeon and long-time member of the Iranian parliament, Pezeshkian is seen as a wildcard candidate promising \"unity and cohesion\" and an end to Iran's \"isolation\" from the world. His victory has sparked celebrations among supporters, with videos on social media showing young people dancing and waving his campaign's green flag in Tehran and other cities. 🎉🇮🇷
Reference(s):
Navigating change: Iranian presidential election and its implications
cgtn.com