Iran Presidential Election Marks Low Turnout and Runoff

Iran is at a critical juncture as it heads into a presidential runoff between reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hardliner Saeed Jalili following the death of Ebrahim Raisi. The first round saw only a 40% voter turnout, the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, reflecting discontent amid economic challenges and regional tensions. Pezeshkian emerged as the frontrunner in the initial voting but faces a tough challenge from Jalili, who has garnered support from other conservative candidates. The runoff is pivotal in determining Iran's future direction, with contrasting views on social justice, the economy, and foreign policy at stake. The opposition's struggle for a democratic Iran, highlighted by Ali Safavi of NCRI, underscores the broader political landscape and calls for international support in light of human rights violations and protests against the current regime's brutality and suppression.