Ebrahim Raisi death: What is the procedure after Iranian president dies while in office?

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash, officials and state media announced on Monday (May 20).How does the Iranian constitution manage the transition of leadership when an Iranian president dies while in office, and who takes over?

As per aReuters news agency report, Article 131 of the Iranian constitution stipulates that the first vice president assumes the role of acting president in case the Iranian president dies. However, this transition can only happen with the confirmation by the Supreme Leader. He is the one who holds ultimate authority in state matters.

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Currently, Mohammad Mokhber, a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is the vice president.

Later, a council comprised of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament, and the head of the judiciary is responsible for organising a new presidential election within a maximum of 50 days.

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63-year-old President Raisi, elected in 2021, is expected to serve until the next scheduled elections in 2025.

Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, told a media outlet that the president of Iran is more of an "implementer" of policies rather than a "decision-maker".

He noted that the core policies of the Islamic Republic would remain unchanged regardless of who is president.

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In the event of the death of an Iranian president, several powerful officials would be eager to ascend the regime's hierarchy.

Such an event would test the resilience of Khamenei's regime.

Raisi is considered a top contender to eventually succeed Khamenei, given his extensive background as a cleric, and a former chief justice.

(With inputs from agencies)