In order to choose a new president after Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May, Iran held presidential elections on Friday, June 28. People are voting among four closely vetted candidates who support Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a period of mounting popular dissatisfaction and pressure from the West.
Masoud Pezeshkian, Saeed Jalili, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Mostafa Pourmohammadi are these candidates.
Iranian expatriates in India participated in the electoral process as well. According to a report by the news agency ANI, the Iranian presidential election was held in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune in India.
Iran’s ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, expressed gratitude to New Delhi in an interview with ANI for organizing and conducting the poll. “In accordance with Iran’s Constitution, the people will directly elect their president. There are four applicants for the position. According to Ambassador Elahi, “I believe it will strengthen Iran’s sovereignty, both internally and internationally.”
“This election was made possible by the Indian government and was held in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune. We anticipate that the bilateral ties between India and Iran will improve under the incoming Iranian government,” he continued.
The ambassador added that Ebrahim Raisi was crucial to the development and improvement of Iran-Indian relations.
Supreme Leader Khamenei encouraged people to visit polling places earlier on Friday. The “longevity, stability, reputation, and honor of the Islamic Republic depend on the people’s participation,” Khamenei emphasized when casting his ballot.
“Election day is a time of great joy and excitement for us Iranians, especially during a presidential election when the people’s vote will determine our president for the coming years,” he stated.
