Iran has elected a new president, and the surprise is that the wildcard candidate Masoud Pezeshkian came out on top. The little-known heart surgeon, who garnered endorsements from the country’s ‘reformist’ camp, campaigned on a platform for reviving nuclear talks with the West in hopes of easing crippling sanctions and improving the economy.
The 5 July run-off against hardliner Saeed Jalili – former chief nuclear negotiator (2007-2013) and a favorite of the powerful IRGC military arm (MEES, 5 July) – saw Mr Pezeshkian raise his share of ballot from the first round’s 44.4% (10.4mn) to 54.8% (16.4mn). The second round saw an improvement in turn-out after a record-low 40% on 28 June, coming up just below 50% of the 60mn or so eligible voters. (CONTINUED - 920 WORDS)
