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Run-off pits centrist Masoud Pezeshkian in opposition to hardliner Saeed Jalili in race to succeed Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in Could.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Iranians have returned to the polls for a presidential run-off<\/a> which pits centrist Masoud Pezeshkian in opposition to hardliner Saeed Jalili within the race to succeed Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in Could.<\/p>\n The second spherical on Friday comes as neither contender secured an outright majority on June 28, with Pezeshkian receiving about 42.5 p.c of votes and Jalili some 38.7 p.c.<\/p>\n The election is being held in opposition to the backdrop of heightened regional tensions over Israel\u2019s conflict on Gaza, Iran\u2019s dispute with the West over its nuclear programme, rising discontent over the state of an financial system crippled by sanctions, and disillusionment following deadly protests<\/a> in 2022-2023.<\/p>\n Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the ultimate say in all state issues, solid his poll when polling stations opened at 8am (04:30 GMT), state TV confirmed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a very good day to take part within the electoral course of,\u201d he mentioned in an tackle encouraging folks to come back out and vote.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully we are going to select the precise candidate. At this stage, folks ought to make an additional effort to elect a president by tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Solely 40 p.c of Iran\u2019s 61 million eligible voters solid their poll in June, the bottom turnout in any presidential election because the 1979 Islamic Revolution.<\/p>\n Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera\u2019s Resul Serdar mentioned that one of many polls launched shortly earlier than the second spherical of voting confirmed Pezeshkian seemingly successful the race, however either side have predicted victory in the long run.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever some say that surveys resulting in final week\u2019s election failed, so in the present day there might be one other shock. Right here the foremost concern actually is the turnout.\u201d<\/p>\n Khamenei mentioned participation was \u201cnot as anticipated\u201d within the first spherical however that it was not an act \u201cin opposition to the system\u201d.<\/p>\n Final week\u2019s vote noticed the conservative parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are available in third place with 13.8 p.c, whereas Muslim chief Mostafa Pourmohammadi garnered lower than 1 p.c.<\/p>\n The election was initially scheduled for 2025 however was introduced ahead following the death of Raisi<\/a>.<\/p>\n The rival candidates within the run-off have held two debates the place they mentioned Iran\u2019s financial woes, worldwide relations, the low voter turnout and web restrictions.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, Pezeshkian, 69, mentioned folks had been \u201cfed up with their residing situations \u2026 and dissatisfied with the federal government\u2019s administration of affairs\u201d. He has referred to as for \u201cconstructive relations\u201d with the USA and European international locations with a purpose to \u201cget Iran out of its isolation\u201d.<\/p>\n Jalili, 58, rallied a considerable base of hardline supporters and acquired backing from Ghalibaf and two different conservative candidates who dropped out of the race earlier than the primary spherical.<\/p>\n He has insisted that Iran doesn’t want the abandoned nuclear deal<\/a> with the US and different world powers to make progress.<\/p>\n The 2015 settlement \u2013 which Jalili mentioned violated all Iran\u2019s \u201cpurple strains\u201d by permitting inspections of nuclear websites \u2013 had imposed curbs on Iran\u2019s nuclear exercise in return for sanctions reduction. The accord has been hanging by a thread since 2018 when then-US President Donald Trump withdrew.<\/p>\n Jalili has held a number of senior positions, together with in Khamenei\u2019s workplace within the early 2000s. He’s at the moment one in every of Khamenei\u2019s representatives within the Supreme Nationwide Safety Council, Iran\u2019s highest safety physique.<\/p>\n Whatever the consequence, Iran\u2019s subsequent president might be in command of making use of state coverage outlined by the supreme chief, who wields final authority within the nation.<\/p>\n Comply with stay updates on the election here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nLow turnout<\/h2>\n