Iran presidential election: Iranians in India vote in polls; Tehran thanks New Delhi

Iran on Friday (June 28) voted in the presidential election to vote for a new president following the death ofEbrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Citizensare choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to Supreme LeaderAyatollah Ali Khamenei at a time of growing public frustration and Western pressure.

These candidates areMasoud Pezeshkian,Saeed Jalili, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Mostafa Pourmohammadi.

Iranians living in India also exercised their franchise in the election. In India, the Iranian presidential election was held inDelhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune.

Tehran thanks New Delhi

Iran'sAmbassador to India Iraj Elahi thanked New Delhi for facilitating and holding the election. Speaking to WION, Ambassador Elahi hoped that the resultof the election would be released by Saturday.

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.

Khamenei urges voters to go to polling stations

Earlier on Friday, Supreme LeaderKhameneiurged 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."

"Election day is a time of great joy and excitement for usIranians, especially during a presidential election when the people’s vote will determine our president for the coming years," he said.