Pezeshkian and Jalili Lead Iran's Presidential Race

Early results from Iran's Interior Ministry on Saturday show reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili leading the presidential race.

Pezeshkian, a prominent reformist, has garnered over 8,300,000 votes, while Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator, has received more than 7,100,000 votes.

If the current trend continues, the two frontrunners are expected to face each other in a runoff on July 5, as neither candidate appears likely to secure the required 50 per cent plus one majority needed to win outright in the first round.

The election comes after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.

Over 61 million Iranians were eligible to vote in this election, which is taking place amid heightened regional tensions.

The Guardian Council, responsible for vetting all presidential contenders, approved the six candidates.

The prospect of a runoff became more likely late yesterday, as neither Jalili nor Ghalibaf withdrew from the race in favor of the other.

Experts suggest that this decision decreases the likelihood of the conservative camp securing more than 50 per cent of the vote in the first round.

Jalili and Ghalibaf are long-time political rivals, both with deep connections to the political establishment.

A similar scenario unfolded during the 2013 presidential election when neither candidate stepped aside, which ultimately facilitated opposition candidate Hassan Rouhani's victory.

This time, the conservative split could work to the advantage of Masoud Pezeshkian, a former health minister and prominent reformist politician.