Withdrawals made strategically to maintain unity
Two well-known contenders have dropped out of the running as Iran's impending presidential election draws nearer in order to promote a unity candidate who is backed by the hardline group. This action marks a dramatic change in the political climate and will probably have a big effect on the results of the election.IRNA, the official news agency, reports that Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi declared his departure and called on others to follow suit in order to "strengthen the front of revolution." Hashemi, the head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs and vice president under the late President Ebrahim Raisi, had previously campaigned in the 2021 election, receiving about a million votes but coming in last.
The Challenge of Reformism
Reiterating his choice from 2021, when Raisi won, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani likewise withdrew from the contest. Zakani's exit is intended to thwart the establishment of a third regime led by former President Hassan Rouhani, with a particular focus on reformist contender Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian is viewed as carrying on Rouhani's initiatives, which were backed by previous Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and included the 2015 nuclear agreement with international powers.
Typical Election Strategies
In the last hours before an Iranian election, especially during the mandated quiet period when campaigning stops, strategic retreats are not uncommon. There are now four contenders in the contest as voters get ready to cast their ballots on Friday.
Analysts see it as a three-way race between reformist candidate Pezeshkian and two hardliners: parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalil.Reiterating his choice from 2021, when Raisi won, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani likewise withdrew from the contest. Zakani's exit is intended to thwart the establishment of a third regime led by former President Hassan Rouhani, with a particular focus on reformist contender Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian is viewed as carrying on Rouhani's initiatives, which were backed by previous Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and included the 2015 nuclear agreement with international powers.
Typical Election Strategies
In the last hours before an Iranian election, especially during the mandated quiet period when campaigning stops, strategic retreats are not uncommon. There are now four contenders in the contest as voters get ready to cast their ballots on Friday.
The Call of the Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, has pushed as many people as possible to cast ballots, but he has also warned Pezeshkian and his friends not to depend too much on the US. Even with Khamenei's appeal, there is still a great deal of public indifference, which is made worse by current tragedies like the former President's helicopter crash and economic woes.
Public Attitude and Elections
Many people are considering boycotting the polls due to the narrow field of candidates and their discontent with Iran's harsh laws, especially those pertaining to women's rights.
Some voters, however, particularly those who adhere to conservative ideologies, do not waver. Mahmoud Sayedi, a 46-year-old shopkeeper, intends to support Qalibaf by using his background. Parivash Emami, a 49-year-old voter, is another who backs Qalibaf in the hopes that his experience will help with Iran's problems.
The Prospects for the Country
Iran's future is in jeopardy as this pivotal referendum draws near, impacted by both ingrained public feeling and calculated political manoeuvres.