Iran's reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (July 6) won a runoff presidential election against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, state media reported.

Officials have so far counted more than 30 million votes, out of which Pezeshkian garnered over 17 million and Jalili more than 13 million, according to results released by the interior ministry.

Iran has a president and a parliament (Majlis). But unlike modern-day democracies, in Iran, one Supreme Leader exerts both ideological and political control of the entire elected power structure.

In his first remarks after being declared winner of the runoff vote,&nbsp;president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday (July 6) he would "extend the hand of friendship to everyone".

"We will extend the hand of friendship to everyone; we are all people of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country," Pezeshkian said on state television.

Pezeshkian will replace late ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi who died in a May helicopter crash.

"These people participated with love, they came to help, and I thank all these dear people," Pezeshkian added.

In the lead-up to the elections, Iran's main reformist coalition threw its weight behind Pezeshkian. Former presidents Mohammad Khatami and the moderate Hassan Rouhani had declared support for his bid.

Pezeshkian takes over the presidency amid heightened regional tensions over the Gaza war, a dispute with the West over Iran's nuclear programme and domestic discontent over the state of Iran's sanctions-hit economy.

More information will be added soon.

Iran's reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (July 6) won a runoff presidential election against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, state media reported.

Iran's reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (July 6) won a runoff presidential election against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, state media reported. Officials have so far counted more than 30 million votes, out of which Pezeshkian garnered over 17 million and Jalili more than 13 million, according to results released by the interior ministry. Iran has a president and a parliament (Majlis). But unlike modern-day democracies, in Iran, one Supreme Leader exerts both ideological and political control of the entire elected power structure. In his first remarks after being declared winner of the runoff vote, president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday (July 6) he would "extend the hand of friendship to everyone". "We will extend the hand of friendship to everyone; we are all people of this country; we should use everyone for the progress of the country," Pezeshkian said on state television. Pezeshkian will replace late ultraconservative president Ebrahim Raisi who died in a May helicopter crash. "These people participated with love, they came to help, and I thank all these dear people," Pezeshkian added. In the lead-up to the elections, Iran's main reformist coalition threw its weight behind Pezeshkian. Former presidents Mohammad Khatami and the moderate Hassan Rouhani had declared support for his bid. Pezeshkian takes over the presidency amid heightened regional tensions over the Gaza war, a dispute with the West over Iran's nuclear programme and domestic discontent over the state of Iran's sanctions-hit economy. More information will be added soon.

Iran delivers reformist verdict as cardiac surgeon Pezeshkian wins hearts in presidential elections

The vote counting is underway in Iran’s presidential election and pro-reform candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has been leading with 5,955,781 votes. Hard-liner Saeed Jalili has been following him with&nbsp;5,560,321 votes, as per the latest&nbsp;official figures released by the Interior Ministry.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf has received 1,891,385 votes, and Mostafa Pourmohammadi 111,967 votes in the&nbsp;14,070,462 ballots counted so far.

According to Iranian state television, the early results did not initially suggest that Jalili would clinch outright victory in Friday’s election as it set the stage for a runoff election to replace late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi.

The state television also did not report any turnout figures for the race yet, which is crucial to understand whether Iran’s electorate supports its Shiite theocracy after witnessing years of mass protests and economic turmoil.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-presidential-election-iranians-in-india-vote-in-polls-tehran-thanks-new-delhi-736025">Iran presidential election: Iranians in India vote in polls; Tehran thanks New Delhi</a>

According to the Associated Press, 10 million votes have been counted till now, in which Jaili has received 4.26 million votes and Pezeshkian&nbsp;4.24 million.&nbsp;

Another candidate fraying in the elections, hard-line speaker of the parliament Mohmmad Bagher Qalibaf received some 1.38 million votes. Shiite cleric Mostafa Pourmohammadi got more than 80,000 votes.

<h2>Voters get little choice in polls</h2>

Three hard-line candidates and a heart surgeon and not-so-famous reformist&nbsp;Pezeshkian were the choices for the voters in this election.&nbsp;

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women and people demanding a radical change have been stopped from contesting the elections.&nbsp;

The voting took place at a time&nbsp;the Middle East is gripped in wider tensions over the&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.

Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel in April over the Gaza war. Militia groups supported by Tehran in the region - Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels - have also&nbsp;been engaged in the war and their attacks have been escalated.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran election: Three-way contest between Pezeshkian, Jalili and Qalibaf

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-election-three-way-contest-between-pezeshkian-jalili-and-qalibaf-736166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Iran has been enriching uranium at near weapons-grade levels&nbsp;and has maintained a stockpile which is big enough to build several nuclear weapons, if the country wants to, according to reports.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi along with others had made calls for a boycott of the elections.

One of the leaders of the 2009 Green Movement protests Mir Hossein Mousavi, who has been under house arrest, refused to vote with his wife, said his daughter.

Iran faced a major blow when in a May 19 helicopter crash, 63-year-old Raisi died along with the country’s foreign minister and others. He was Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's protege and a potential successor.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The vote counting is underway in Iran’s presidential election and pro-reform candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has been leading with 5,955,781 votes. Hard-liner Saeed Jalili has been following him with 5,560,321 votes, as per the latest official figures released by the Interior Ministry.

The vote counting is underway in Iran’s presidential election and pro-reform candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has been leading with 5,955,781 votes. Hard-liner Saeed Jalili has been following him with 5,560,321 votes, as per the latest official figures released by the Interior Ministry. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf has received 1,891,385 votes, and Mostafa Pourmohammadi 111,967 votes in the 14,070,462 ballots counted so far. According to Iranian state television, the early results did not initially suggest that Jalili would clinch outright victory in Friday’s election as it set the stage for a runoff election to replace late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi. The state television also did not report any turnout figures for the race yet, which is crucial to understand whether Iran’s electorate supports its Shiite theocracy after witnessing years of mass protests and economic turmoil. Also Read: Iran presidential election: Iranians in India vote in polls; Tehran thanks New Delhi According to the Associated Press, 10 million votes have been counted till now, in which Jaili has received 4.26 million votes and Pezeshkian 4.24 million. Another candidate fraying in the elections, hard-line speaker of the parliament Mohmmad Bagher Qalibaf received some 1.38 million votes. Shiite cleric Mostafa Pourmohammadi got more than 80,000 votes. Voters get little choice in polls Three hard-line candidates and a heart surgeon and not-so-famous reformist Pezeshkian were the choices for the voters in this election. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women and people demanding a radical change have been stopped from contesting the elections. The voting took place at a time the Middle East is gripped in wider tensions over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel in April over the Gaza war. Militia groups supported by Tehran in the region - Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels - have also been engaged in the war and their attacks have been escalated. Watch: Iran election: Three-way contest between Pezeshkian, Jalili and Qalibaf Meanwhile, Iran has been enriching uranium at near weapons-grade levels and has maintained a stockpile which is big enough to build several nuclear weapons, if the country wants to, according to reports. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi along with others had made calls for a boycott of the elections. One of the leaders of the 2009 Green Movement protests Mir Hossein Mousavi, who has been under house arrest, refused to vote with his wife, said his daughter. Iran faced a major blow when in a May 19 helicopter crash, 63-year-old Raisi died along with the country’s foreign minister and others. He was Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's protege and a potential successor. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran presidential elections: Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili in neck and neck battle, as counting underway

The following are among the Irainian President's responsibilities, subject to oversight and approval by the Supreme Leader: Chairperson of the Cabinet and second in command (after the Supreme Leader) of the executive arm of government.

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: Voting begins in snap presidential election after Raisi's death

At eight in the morning local time, leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casted his ballot at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Husseiniya in front of eager reporters and photographers. Ayatollah Khamenei prayed for the Iranian nation's brightest days and years in remarks made following the 14th presidential election.

The Guardian Council of Iran, a body of clerics and jurists ultimately subordinate to Khamenei, has not yet ratified a bill introduced by the country's parliament that could inflict 10-year prison sentences for violating the hijab. Only Pezeshkian, one of the presidential contenders, has criticized the hijab law thus far.

Iran votes amid tensions boiling over new hijab law

Voting starts in Iran's snap presidential election to choose a successor to Ebrahim Raisi following his death in a helicopter crash.

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: One reformist and three Khamenei loyalists battle it out

Iranians started voting on Friday for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader, at a time of growing public frustration.

Iran Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Polls open to elect Raisi’s successor in Iran

The election coincides with escalating regional tension due to war between Israel and Iranian allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as increased Western pressure on Iran over its fast-advancing nuclear programme.

Iran Presidential elections 2024: Iran begins voting in presidential election with limited choices

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: Can Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist President change Iran?

As Iran votes to elect as successor for the late president Ebrahim Raisi, two of the six candidates gearing up for the polls has already dropped out of this race. Watch this to know more.

Iran Presidential Elections 2024: Three-way contest expected between Pezeshkian, Jalili and Qalibaf

Iran is going to choose a president in a tightly controlled election on June 28. This election follows Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash last month. The Guardian Council has approved five hardliners and one low-profile moderate candidate from a pool of 80.

Iran election: Who is running to be Iran's next President?

Ahead of the June 28th snap election in Iran presidential candidate Saeed Jalili held a campaign rally in Sharif University in Tehran promising the supporters that he was committed to protecting the country against foreign interference. Watch in for more details!

Iran: Campaign for 28 June Presidential poll, Saeed Jalili campaigns at Sharif University in Tehran

Iran's interior ministry on Sunday (Jun 9) revealed&nbsp;the final list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council to contest&nbsp;the presidential election scheduled for June 28. The elections are taking place following the death of former president&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi in&nbsp;a helicopter crash on May 19, along with his foreign minister.

<h2>Who are the approved candidates?</h2>

The approved candidates are as below:

Saeed Jalili, the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's representative in the Supreme National Security Council. He is&nbsp;a former nuclear negotiator.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current Parliament Speaker&nbsp; 
 
Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist parliamentarian&nbsp; 
 
Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former minister of justice and interior 
 
Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, current Vice President&nbsp;and 
 
Alireza Zakani, Tehran Mayor. He was a candidate in the 2021 presidential election too but&nbsp;later withdrew in favour of Raisi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiy7vKox86GAxXoTWwGHRsJDaMQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-criticises-un-nuclear-watchdog-resolution-calls-it-unwise-729238" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-criticises-un-nuclear-watchdog-resolution-calls-it-unwise-729238&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy7vKox86GAxXoTWwGHRsJDaMQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Iran criticises UN nuclear watchdog resolution, calls it 'unwise'</a>

Some high-profile names were removed from the list, including ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri.

In total, more than 100 applications were rejected for 'not meeting requirements.'

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiy7vKox86GAxXoTWwGHRsJDaMQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-parliament-speaker-ghalibaf-launches-presidential-bid-728391" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-parliament-speaker-ghalibaf-launches-presidential-bid-728391&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy7vKox86GAxXoTWwGHRsJDaMQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Iran parliament speaker Ghalibaf launches presidential bid</a>

It is believed that&nbsp;Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wields strong influence over the selection process, in order to ensure that the upcoming president is one of his loyalists. This raises doubts over the authenticity of the democratic process in Iran, indicated by low turnout in presidential polls. In the 2021 elections, only 48.48 per cent of registered voters turned up to cast their ballots, one of the lowest in Iran's history.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's interior ministry on Sunday (Jun 9) revealed the final list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council to contest the presidential election scheduled for June 28.

Iran's interior ministry on Sunday (Jun 9) revealed the final list of candidates approved by the Guardian Council to contest the presidential election scheduled for June 28. The elections are taking place following the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, along with his foreign minister. Who are the approved candidates? The approved candidates are as below: Saeed Jalili, the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's representative in the Supreme National Security Council. He is a former nuclear negotiator. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current Parliament Speaker Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist parliamentarian Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former minister of justice and interior Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, current Vice President and Alireza Zakani, Tehran Mayor. He was a candidate in the 2021 presidential election too but later withdrew in favour of Raisi. Also read: Iran criticises UN nuclear watchdog resolution, calls it 'unwise' Some high-profile names were removed from the list, including ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri. In total, more than 100 applications were rejected for 'not meeting requirements.' Also read: Iran parliament speaker Ghalibaf launches presidential bid It is believed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wields strong influence over the selection process, in order to ensure that the upcoming president is one of his loyalists. This raises doubts over the authenticity of the democratic process in Iran, indicated by low turnout in presidential polls. In the 2021 elections, only 48.48 per cent of registered voters turned up to cast their ballots, one of the lowest in Iran's history. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran finalises six candidates for June 28 presidential polls, several high-profile names disqualified

Iran is ready to hold its Presidential elections. As many as 20 credible names have been proposed for running in elections. All candidates have to be cleared by the 12-strong elite body known as the Guardian Council.

Iran Presidential Elections: Up to 20 possible contenders gear up to become Iran's next president

The voting for Iran's next President has ended with a low turn out. Local media reports, just 37% turn out after 12 hours of voting. Watch this report to know more.

Iran Presidential Election: Presidency might go to Hardline Cleric

A senior official of Iran's judiciary on Sunday warned candidates running in the presidential election against crossing "red lines" of the Islamic republic. Iranians will select a successor to current President Hassan Rouhani on June 18.

"Candidates should not cross the system's red lines in their campaigns and speeches," said Tehran Attorney General Ali Alqassi-Mehr, quoted by Mizan Online, the judiciary's official news agency.

Wrongdoers will be "confronted firmly", he said, and warned in particular against any attacks on the "reputation" of the judiciary.

Several issues are considered "red lines" in Iran, including questioning the doctrine of Velayat-e faqih (the guardianship of the jurist) which establishes religious authority over politics.

The head of the judiciary, ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, is widely considered the favourite candidate in the race to the presidency.

Raisi won 38 percent of the vote in the 2017 presidential election but was defeated by Rouhani.

Guardian Council, the body which vets the candidates has approved seven mainly ultraconservative candidates from 600 hopefuls.

Some disqualifications carried out by the Guardian Council appeared to have cleared the way for Raisi. He faces four lesser known candidates from own camp and two reformistst who don't have a strong base.

The Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday said candidates should focus on "youth unemployment" and economic woes of "the disadvantaged class," two themes prominently highlighted in Raisi's campaign in 2017 and again this year.

Iranian authorities, including the supreme leader, have in recent months called for high turnout, while the limited polls available have pointed to a potential record abstention.

Meanwhile, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, who is running in the presidential election in June, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

Hemmati in a Saturday night meeting on the Clubhouse social media app said Rouhani "Told me that if you stand in the election, you cannot remain the central bank chief because it affects monetary and exchange rate policies".

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior official of Iran's judiciary on Sunday warned candidates running in the presidential election against crossing "red lines" of the Islamic republic. Iranians will select a successor to current President Hassan Rouhani on June 18.

A senior official of Iran's judiciary on Sunday warned candidates running in the presidential election against crossing "red lines" of the Islamic republic. Iranians will select a successor to current President Hassan Rouhani on June 18. "Candidates should not cross the system's red lines in their campaigns and speeches," said Tehran Attorney General Ali Alqassi-Mehr, quoted by Mizan Online, the judiciary's official news agency. Wrongdoers will be "confronted firmly", he said, and warned in particular against any attacks on the "reputation" of the judiciary. Several issues are considered "red lines" in Iran, including questioning the doctrine of Velayat-e faqih (the guardianship of the jurist) which establishes religious authority over politics. The head of the judiciary, ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, is widely considered the favourite candidate in the race to the presidency. Raisi won 38 percent of the vote in the 2017 presidential election but was defeated by Rouhani. Guardian Council, the body which vets the candidates has approved seven mainly ultraconservative candidates from 600 hopefuls. Some disqualifications carried out by the Guardian Council appeared to have cleared the way for Raisi. He faces four lesser known candidates from own camp and two reformistst who don't have a strong base. The Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday said candidates should focus on "youth unemployment" and economic woes of "the disadvantaged class," two themes prominently highlighted in Raisi's campaign in 2017 and again this year. Iranian authorities, including the supreme leader, have in recent months called for high turnout, while the limited polls available have pointed to a potential record abstention. Meanwhile, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, who is running in the presidential election in June, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. Hemmati in a Saturday night meeting on the Clubhouse social media app said Rouhani "Told me that if you stand in the election, you cannot remain the central bank chief because it affects monetary and exchange rate policies". (With inputs from agencies)

Iran elections: Judiciary warns presidential candidates against crossing 'red lines'

As Iran gears up for a presidential election, people from across the political spectrum are taking to the audio app&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;as a rare forum for debate inside the country.

Chat rooms have been sprouting up every day&nbsp;on&nbsp;the invitation-only social media platform, some of them attracting thousands of listeners.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/clubhouse-the-invite-only-chat-app-that-elon-musk-uses-361479">Clubhouse: The invite-only chat app that Elon Musk uses</a>

Politicians from opposing factions have found&nbsp;their&nbsp;way to the app, along with an array of analysts, journalists and&nbsp;Iranians&nbsp;both at home and abroad.

"Clubhouse's main draw card is that it has created an opportunity for dialogue between people who could not bear talking to each other before," said Farid Modaresi, an analyst close to the moderate camp of incumbent President Hassan Rouhani.

The hot topic&nbsp;on&nbsp;their&nbsp;lips has been the hopefuls who have been coming forward and registering to be candidates for the June 18 presidential election.

Modaresi said a combination of factors has helped to make the app popular among&nbsp;Iranians, including a restricted domestic media, the Covid-19 pandemic and a sizeable diaspora eager to tap into the discussions.

"There was demand, and this is the supply," Modaresi said, noting that both conservatives and reformists are present&nbsp;on&nbsp;the platform.

Those hoping to stand for president started throwing&nbsp;their&nbsp;names into the hat&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday, launching the battle to succeed Rouhani who must leave office after serving two consecutive terms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-set-for-presidential-showdown-between-heavyweights-larijani-raisi-385281">Iran set for presidential showdown between heavyweights Larijani, Raisi</a>

The&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;fervour contrasts with a rather quiet public sphere&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of official campaigning that starts&nbsp;on&nbsp;May 28.

Reformist journalist Mostafa Faghihi said the app has helped to open up "multilateral dialogue" in Iran.

Such public discourse has been elusive in the country due to the conduct of "media giants with public budgets... that have turned into one-sided and factional tribunes".

Top draw cards

Alongside Instagram,&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;is one of the few major social media applications still largely accessible in Iran without the requirement for virtual private network (VPN) software to circumvent censorship.

Eshaq Jahangiri, first vice president to Rouhani and considered a potential candidate, has been one of the highest-ranking officials to appear&nbsp;on&nbsp;the platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-cancels-meet-with-austrian-counterpart-over-israel-flag-385241">Iran foreign minister cancels meet with Austrian counterpart over Israel flag</a>

Taking questions, he strongly defended the administration's track record in the face of a US "economic war", saying it stood up for internet freedoms, and denied links to one of his brothers&nbsp;on&nbsp;trial for alleged corruption.

Faghihi said the presence of prominent figures&nbsp;on&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;could play "a very important role" to get messages across to voters.

He touted the "close to 110,000" people who tuned in to a chat room that hosted Faeze Hashemi, the outspoken daughter of late president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

"I won't vote, as our maximum effort results in (someone like) Mr. Rouhani!" she declared during the debate.

When the room reached the maximum number of listeners, several others were created to enable more to hear the discussion, before it was streamed live to thousands of others&nbsp;on&nbsp;Instagram and Twitter, Faghihi explained.

Yet Iranian&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;moderators have come in for criticism for not allowing all&nbsp;voices&nbsp;to be heard.

One such instance occurred when Modaresi invited Iran's social media-savvy foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to a chat about Iran's controversial 25-year agreement with China, its nuclear deal with world powers and his stated intention not to run for the presidency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/can-clubhouse-move-fast-without-breaking-things-366293">Can Clubhouse move fast without breaking things?</a>

As the panel took shape, it emerged that the chat room featured both Iranian officials and journalists from foreign-based Persian media outlets deemed hostile by the Islamic republic.

Modaresi said the latter were not allowed to ask questions "due to foreign ministry protocols" which he had to accept.

'Positive role'

Clubhouse&nbsp;has drawn criticism primarily from ultraconservatives over its lack of content oversight and the usual concern of being hosted abroad, with some calling for domestic alternatives.

In an editorial in April, the ultraconservative news agency Tasnim said Iran's foes could cause "security, social and political problems" for the country through&nbsp;Clubhouse.

It warned against the app's potential for "identifying the elite, networks, tracking, data stealing, large-scale leaks of information" and breaking the taboo of "direct talks" with hostile media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/13-mn-scraped-clubhouse-user-records-posted-online-report-376879">1.3 mn scraped Clubhouse user records posted online: Report&nbsp;</a>

Later that month&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;was temporarily blocked without explanation&nbsp;on&nbsp;most networks, and despite assurances from Rouhani's administration, the app was inaccessible&nbsp;on&nbsp;at least one major mobile carrier.

This raised concerns that it might meet the same fate of other social media officially banned in Iran, including Facebook and Twitter.

But for Iran's conservative-dominated Guardian Council, charged with validating parliamentary legislation and monitoring elections, the application did not seem to be a threat.

In an interview with AFP, the council's spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaee said the influential body saw&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;as potentially constructive as long as no "crimes" were committed.&nbsp;

"In my opinion, cyberspace can have a positive role, for people to have better and faster access to information.&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;is no different" than other social media, he said&nbsp;on&nbsp;May 5.&nbsp;

As Iran gears up for a presidential election, people from across the political spectrum are taking to the audio app Clubhouse as a rare forum for debate inside the country.

As Iran gears up for a presidential election, people from across the political spectrum are taking to the audio app Clubhouse as a rare forum for debate inside the country. Chat rooms have been sprouting up every day on the invitation-only social media platform, some of them attracting thousands of listeners. Also read | Clubhouse: The invite-only chat app that Elon Musk uses Politicians from opposing factions have found their way to the app, along with an array of analysts, journalists and Iranians both at home and abroad. "Clubhouse's main draw card is that it has created an opportunity for dialogue between people who could not bear talking to each other before," said Farid Modaresi, an analyst close to the moderate camp of incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. The hot topic on their lips has been the hopefuls who have been coming forward and registering to be candidates for the June 18 presidential election. Modaresi said a combination of factors has helped to make the app popular among Iranians, including a restricted domestic media, the Covid-19 pandemic and a sizeable diaspora eager to tap into the discussions. "There was demand, and this is the supply," Modaresi said, noting that both conservatives and reformists are present on the platform. Those hoping to stand for president started throwing their names into the hat on Tuesday, launching the battle to succeed Rouhani who must leave office after serving two consecutive terms. Also read | Iran set for presidential showdown between heavyweights Larijani, Raisi The Clubhouse fervour contrasts with a rather quiet public sphere ahead of official campaigning that starts on May 28. Reformist journalist Mostafa Faghihi said the app has helped to open up "multilateral dialogue" in Iran. Such public discourse has been elusive in the country due to the conduct of "media giants with public budgets... that have turned into one-sided and factional tribunes". Top draw cards Alongside Instagram, Clubhouse is one of the few major social media applications still largely accessible in Iran without the requirement for virtual private network (VPN) software to circumvent censorship. Eshaq Jahangiri, first vice president to Rouhani and considered a potential candidate, has been one of the highest-ranking officials to appear on the platform. Also read | Iran foreign minister cancels meet with Austrian counterpart over Israel flag Taking questions, he strongly defended the administration's track record in the face of a US "economic war", saying it stood up for internet freedoms, and denied links to one of his brothers on trial for alleged corruption. Faghihi said the presence of prominent figures on Clubhouse could play "a very important role" to get messages across to voters. He touted the "close to 110,000" people who tuned in to a chat room that hosted Faeze Hashemi, the outspoken daughter of late president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. "I won't vote, as our maximum effort results in (someone like) Mr. Rouhani!" she declared during the debate. When the room reached the maximum number of listeners, several others were created to enable more to hear the discussion, before it was streamed live to thousands of others on Instagram and Twitter, Faghihi explained. Yet Iranian Clubhouse moderators have come in for criticism for not allowing all voices to be heard. One such instance occurred when Modaresi invited Iran's social media-savvy foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to a chat about Iran's controversial 25-year agreement with China, its nuclear deal with world powers and his stated intention not to run for the presidency. Also read | Can Clubhouse move fast without breaking things? As the panel took shape, it emerged that the chat room featured both Iranian officials and journalists from foreign-based Persian media outlets deemed hostile by the Islamic republic. Modaresi said the latter were not allowed to ask questions "due to foreign ministry protocols" which he had to accept. 'Positive role' Clubhouse has drawn criticism primarily from ultraconservatives over its lack of content oversight and the usual concern of being hosted abroad, with some calling for domestic alternatives. In an editorial in April, the ultraconservative news agency Tasnim said Iran's foes could cause "security, social and political problems" for the country through Clubhouse. It warned against the app's potential for "identifying the elite, networks, tracking, data stealing, large-scale leaks of information" and breaking the taboo of "direct talks" with hostile media. Also read | 1.3 mn scraped Clubhouse user records posted online: Report Later that month Clubhouse was temporarily blocked without explanation on most networks, and despite assurances from Rouhani's administration, the app was inaccessible on at least one major mobile carrier. This raised concerns that it might meet the same fate of other social media officially banned in Iran, including Facebook and Twitter. But for Iran's conservative-dominated Guardian Council, charged with validating parliamentary legislation and monitoring elections, the application did not seem to be a threat. In an interview with AFP, the council's spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaee said the influential body saw Clubhouse as potentially constructive as long as no "crimes" were committed. "In my opinion, cyberspace can have a positive role, for people to have better and faster access to information. Clubhouse is no different" than other social media, he said on May 5.

Iranians find their voices on Clubhouse ahead of poll

Vote counting began in Iran on Saturday after a high turnout in an unexpectedly tight presidential election pitting President Hassan Rouhani, who wants to normalise ties with the West, against a hardline judge who says he has already gone too far.

More than 40 million votes were cast, the interior ministry said, indicating a turnout of about 70 per cent in Friday&#39;s vote, roughly similar to the showing in 2013 elections when Rouhani swept into office in a landslide victory.

Voting was extended by six hours because many people were still waiting in line. Iranian newspapers praised the turnout, carrying headlines like &quot;a historical victory for Iranians&quot;.

Pro-reform news websites said Rouhani was the victor. They offered no evidence, but the big turnout could favour Rouhani, whose backers&#39; main worry has been apathy among reformist-leaning voters disappointed with the slow pace of change.

Rouhani, 68, who took office promising to open Iran to the world and give its citizens more freedom at home, faced an unexpectedly strong challenge from hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

The election is important &quot;for Iran&#39;s future role in the region and the world&quot;, Rouhani, who struck a deal with world powers two years ago to curb Iran&#39;s nuclear programme in return for the lifting of most economic sanctions, said after voting.

Raisi, 56, has accused Rouhani of mismanaging the economy and has travelled to poor areas, speaking at rallies pledging more welfare benefits and jobs.

He is believed to have the backing of the powerful Revolutionary Guards security force, as well as the tacit support of Khamenei, whose powers outrank those of the elected president but who normally steers clear of day-to-day politics.

&quot;I respect the outcome of the vote of the people and the result will be respected by me and all the people,&quot; Raisi said after voting, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

However, Raisi later appeared at the Ministry of Interior in Tehran on Friday and complained of a shortage of ballot sheets at many polling stations, according to Fars. More ballot sheets were subsequently sent out, the agency reported.&nbsp;

In the last election, Rouhani won more than three times as many votes as his closest challenger. But this time the outcome might be much closer, as other conservative rivals have backed out and thrown their support behind Raisi.

The Guards and other hardliners hope that a win for Raisi will give them an opportunity to safeguard economic and political power they see as jeopardised by the lifting of sanctions and opening of the country to foreign investment.

During weeks of campaigning, the two main candidates exchanged accusations of corruption and brutality in unprecedentedly hostile television debates. Both deny the other&#39;s accusations.

Rouhani has urged the Guards not to meddle in the vote, a warning that reflects the political tension. Suspicions that the Guards and the Basij militia under their control falsified voting results in favour of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad led to eight months of nationwide protests in 2009, which were violently suppressed.

Stark Choice

For ordinary Iranians, the election presents a stark choice between competing visions of the country.

Rouhani, known for decades as a mild-mannered establishment insider rather than a gung-ho reformer, has taken on the mantle of the reform camp in recent weeks, with fiery campaign speeches that attacked the human rights records of his opponents.

&quot;I voted for Rouhani to prevent Raisi&#39;s victory. I don&#39;t want a hardliner to be my president,&quot; said Ziba Ghomeyshi in Tehran. &quot;I waited in the line for five hours to cast my vote.&quot;

Many pro-reform voters are still lukewarm Rouhani supporters, disappointed with his failure to make broader changes during his first term. But they are anxious to keep out Raisi, who they see as representing the security state at its most fearsome: in the 1980s he was one of four judges who sentenced thousands of political prisoners to death.

&quot;I am on my way to vote for Rouhani. I like his detente policy with the world. I know he is not a reformist, but who cares? What matters is that he is not Raisi,&quot; government employee Yousef Ghaemi, 43, said by phone in the western city of Kermanshah.

For conservatives, the election represents a chance to restore the values of the 1979 revolution, which requires elected officials to be subordinate to the Shi&#39;ite Muslim clergy and supreme leader.

&quot;I cast my vote already - I voted for Raisi because he is a follower of Imam Khamenei. He will not confront the leader if elected. He will protect our Islamic identity,&quot; said Mehran Fardoust, 36, a shopkeeper near the Imam Reza Shrine in the holy city of Mashhad, Raisi&#39;s home town.

Despite the removal of nuclear-related sanctions in 2016, lingering unilateral US sanctions that target Iran&#39;s record on human rights and terrorism have kept foreign companies wary of investing, limiting the economic benefits so far.

Raisi has focused his campaign on the economy, visiting rural areas and villages and promising housing, jobs and more welfare benefits, a message which could have resonated with millions of poor voters angry at the Tehran elite.

If no candidate wins more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top two, presumably Rouhani and Raisi, will face each other a second time in a run-off in a week.

(Reuters)

More than 40 million votes were cast, the interior ministry said, indicating a turnout of about 70 per cent in Friday's vote

Vote counting began in Iran on Saturday after a high turnout in an unexpectedly tight presidential election pitting President Hassan Rouhani, who wants to normalise ties with the West, against a hardline judge who says he has already gone too far. More than 40 million votes were cast, the interior ministry said, indicating a turnout of about 70 per cent in Friday's vote, roughly similar to the showing in 2013 elections when Rouhani swept into office in a landslide victory. Voting was extended by six hours because many people were still waiting in line. Iranian newspapers praised the turnout, carrying headlines like "a historical victory for Iranians". Pro-reform news websites said Rouhani was the victor. They offered no evidence, but the big turnout could favour Rouhani, whose backers' main worry has been apathy among reformist-leaning voters disappointed with the slow pace of change. Rouhani, 68, who took office promising to open Iran to the world and give its citizens more freedom at home, faced an unexpectedly strong challenge from hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The election is important "for Iran's future role in the region and the world", Rouhani, who struck a deal with world powers two years ago to curb Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of most economic sanctions, said after voting. Raisi, 56, has accused Rouhani of mismanaging the economy and has travelled to poor areas, speaking at rallies pledging more welfare benefits and jobs. He is believed to have the backing of the powerful Revolutionary Guards security force, as well as the tacit support of Khamenei, whose powers outrank those of the elected president but who normally steers clear of day-to-day politics. "I respect the outcome of the vote of the people and the result will be respected by me and all the people," Raisi said after voting, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. However, Raisi later appeared at the Ministry of Interior in Tehran on Friday and complained of a shortage of ballot sheets at many polling stations, according to Fars. More ballot sheets were subsequently sent out, the agency reported. In the last election, Rouhani won more than three times as many votes as his closest challenger. But this time the outcome might be much closer, as other conservative rivals have backed out and thrown their support behind Raisi. The Guards and other hardliners hope that a win for Raisi will give them an opportunity to safeguard economic and political power they see as jeopardised by the lifting of sanctions and opening of the country to foreign investment. During weeks of campaigning, the two main candidates exchanged accusations of corruption and brutality in unprecedentedly hostile television debates. Both deny the other's accusations. Rouhani has urged the Guards not to meddle in the vote, a warning that reflects the political tension. Suspicions that the Guards and the Basij militia under their control falsified voting results in favour of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad led to eight months of nationwide protests in 2009, which were violently suppressed. Stark Choice For ordinary Iranians, the election presents a stark choice between competing visions of the country. Rouhani, known for decades as a mild-mannered establishment insider rather than a gung-ho reformer, has taken on the mantle of the reform camp in recent weeks, with fiery campaign speeches that attacked the human rights records of his opponents. "I voted for Rouhani to prevent Raisi's victory. I don't want a hardliner to be my president," said Ziba Ghomeyshi in Tehran. "I waited in the line for five hours to cast my vote." Many pro-reform voters are still lukewarm Rouhani supporters, disappointed with his failure to make broader changes during his first term. But they are anxious to keep out Raisi, who they see as representing the security state at its most fearsome: in the 1980s he was one of four judges who sentenced thousands of political prisoners to death. "I am on my way to vote for Rouhani. I like his detente policy with the world. I know he is not a reformist, but who cares? What matters is that he is not Raisi," government employee Yousef Ghaemi, 43, said by phone in the western city of Kermanshah. For conservatives, the election represents a chance to restore the values of the 1979 revolution, which requires elected officials to be subordinate to the Shi'ite Muslim clergy and supreme leader. "I cast my vote already - I voted for Raisi because he is a follower of Imam Khamenei. He will not confront the leader if elected. He will protect our Islamic identity," said Mehran Fardoust, 36, a shopkeeper near the Imam Reza Shrine in the holy city of Mashhad, Raisi's home town. Despite the removal of nuclear-related sanctions in 2016, lingering unilateral US sanctions that target Iran's record on human rights and terrorism have kept foreign companies wary of investing, limiting the economic benefits so far. Raisi has focused his campaign on the economy, visiting rural areas and villages and promising housing, jobs and more welfare benefits, a message which could have resonated with millions of poor voters angry at the Tehran elite. If no candidate wins more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top two, presumably Rouhani and Raisi, will face each other a second time in a run-off in a week. (Reuters)

Counting of votes begins for Iran's Presidential election

iran-presidential-elections

Iran Presidential Elections, News on Iran Presidential Elections, stories on Iran Presidential Elections, articles on Iran Presidential Elections, Iran Presidential Elections stories at Wion, Iran Presidential Elections news, Iran Presidential Elections latest news

iran presidential-elections

Iran delivers reformist verdict as cardiac surgeon Pezeshkian wins hearts in presidential elections

Iran presidential elections: Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili in neck and neck battle, as counting underway

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: Voting begins in snap presidential election after Raisi's death

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: Voting begins in snap presidential election after Raisi's death

Iran votes amid tensions boiling over new hijab law

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: One reformist and three Khamenei loyalists battle it out

Iran Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Polls open to elect Raisi’s successor in Iran

Iran Presidential elections 2024: Iran begins voting in presidential election with limited choices

Iran's Presidential Election 2024: Can Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist President change Iran?

Iran Presidential Elections 2024: Three-way contest expected between Pezeshkian, Jalili and Qalibaf

Iran election: Who is running to be Iran's next President?

Iran: Campaign for 28 June Presidential poll, Saeed Jalili campaigns at Sharif University in Tehran

Iran finalises six candidates for June 28 presidential polls, several high-profile names disqualified

Iran Presidential Elections: Up to 20 possible contenders gear up to become Iran's next president

Iran Presidential Election: Presidency might go to Hardline Cleric

Iran elections: Judiciary warns presidential candidates against crossing 'red lines'

Iranians find their voices on Clubhouse ahead of poll

Counting of votes begins for Iran's Presidential election