Moderate candidate Masoud Pezeshkian called for unity on Saturday, urging the public to join him on “the difficult road ahead” after defeating a hardline rival to win Iran’s presidential election.
In Friday’s run-off vote, Pezeshkian, the only moderate among the original four candidates, faced hardline former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili.
Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon, has committed to promoting a pragmatic foreign policy, reducing tensions in the now-stalled negotiations with major powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Enhancing prospects for social liberalization and political pluralism.
“Dear people of Iran, the election is over, and this is just the beginning of our journey together.
A difficult road lies ahead, and it can only be smooth with your cooperation, empathy, and trust,” Pezeshkian stated on social media platform X.
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“I extend my hand to you and swear on my honor that I will not abandon you on this path. Do not abandon me.”
Turnout was nearly 50% in Friday’s vote, following a historically low turnout in the first round on June 28, when over 60% of Iranian voters abstained. The election was called after President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May.
Supreme Leader Khamenei praised the high turnout, congratulated Pezeshkian on his victory, and advised him to continue Raisi’s policies.
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Pezeshkian’s victory was supported mainly by the urban middle class and youth. Who have been disillusioned by years of security crackdowns suppressing dissent from Islamist orthodoxy.
Social media videos showed his supporters dancing in the streets of many cities. Towns, with motorists honking their car horns to celebrate his victory.
