Polls close in Iran’s snap presidential election to replace deceased Raisi

FRANCE 24

28 June 2024 at 1:10 am·1-min read

Iranians voted on Friday in a snap presidential election to replace Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash last month. Voting hours were extended twice to enable more voters to cast their ballots as Iranian leaders called for a high turnout amid a legitimacy crisis fuelled by an economic crisis and crackdowns on social freedoms.

Friday's elections, originally slated for 2025, were brought forward following the unexpected death of ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.

Contenders include the lone reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and three conservative figures: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Saeed Jalili and Mostafa Pourmohammadi.

The vote takes place as Iran grapples with the economic impact of international sanctions amid heightened regional tensions over the Gaza war between Israel and Tehran's ally Hamas.

Amid widespread disillusionment with the Islamic Republic following the crackdown on protests triggered by the 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, authorities were concerned about voter apathy in the 2024 presidential election.

Iran’s election commission on Friday extended the poll closing time from 6pm to 8pm local time and then to midnight in a bid to enable more voters to cast their ballots.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)

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