New Delhi/Tehran
Iran on Friday (June 28) voted in the presidential election to vote for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Citizens are choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at a time of growing public frustration and Western pressure.
These candidates are Masoud Pezeshkian, Saeed Jalili, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Mostafa Pourmohammadi.
Also read | Iranians vote in snap polls with hopes of better economy, regional stability
Iranians living in India also exercised their franchise in the election. In India, the Iranian presidential election was held in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune.
Tehran thanks New Delhi
Iran's Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi thanked New Delhi for facilitating and holding the election. Speaking to WION, Ambassador Elahi hoped that the result of the election would be released by Saturday.
Iranian diaspora in Delhi vote. Iran has 4 polling stations in India- Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi. The country is going to poll today to elect the next President after the demise of President Raisi in a crash. @WIONews https://t.co/shQuoxqJ1m pic.twitter.com/W0arSMWLkl
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 28, 2024
Elahi appreciated the position of New Delhi for calling a one-day mourning on the death of Ebrahim Raisi. The envoy also pointed out that Raisi played an important role in strengthening and progressing the relations of Iran and India.
"India Iran relationship is civilization...Prez Raisi played an important role in the Chabahar contract. He gave direct support that resolved all issues", Iran Ambassador @Iran_in_India Dr Iraj Ilahi tells @WIONews pic.twitter.com/EtIfhIYWTD
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 28, 2024
Khamenei urges voters to go to polling stations
Earlier on Friday, Supreme Leader Khamenei urged voters to go to the polling stations. Casting his vote, Khamenei stressed that the "longevity, stability, reputation, and honour of the Islamic Republic depend on the people’s participation."
"We appreciate the position of India calling one day mourning in India, showing solidarity", Iran Ambassador @Iran_in_India Dr Iraj Ilahi on India's support post demise of Iran President Raisi to @WIONews pic.twitter.com/Nad0c8T5tc
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 28, 2024
"Election day is a time of great joy and excitement for us Iranians, especially during a presidential election when the people’s vote will determine our president for the coming years," he said.