Iranians have begun voting to elect a new president following the tragic death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month. The Guardian Council, overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, meticulously screened over 80 candidates, allowing only six to proceed through its rigorous selection process.

Among the notable candidates are Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the current parliament speaker and former Revolutionary Guards commander, known for his staunch support of Khamenei. Qalibaf, who previously served as Tehran's mayor, faces competition from moderate Massoud Pezeshkian, the sole reformist approved by the Guardian Council. Pezeshkian, a former health minister, has been a vocal critic of the government's handling of civil unrest incidents.

Also in contention is Saeed Jalili, a hardline diplomat with extensive experience in national security and nuclear negotiations. Jalili, who lost his leg during the Iran-Iraq war, remains a strong advocate of Iran's clerical system. Another candidate, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a cleric and former interior minister, faces scrutiny for alleged involvement in past human rights abuses.

Voting began on June 28 and is set to conclude by 6:00 pm, with potential extensions into the night. The election's outcome is pivotal, potentially influencing the succession plans for Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader since 1989.

Recent polls from Imam Sadiq University indicate a tight race, with Pezeshkian leading at approximately 24.4%, followed closely by Qalibaf at 23.4% and Jalili at 21.5%. Voter turnout, however, has been declining, reflecting widespread disillusionment among Iran's young population with the political status quo.

The election results, expected within two days, will shed light on Iran's future trajectory amidst regional tensions, including conflicts involving Iran's proxies and neighboring Israel.

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