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

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In the presidential election, Iranians 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.

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.

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, a report by the news agency ANI said.

Tehran thanks New Delhi

Speaking to ANI, Iran’s Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi thanked New Delhi for facilitating and holding the election. “Iranians will elect their president according to the Constitution of Iran, by the direct vote of the people. Four people are competing for the post. I think it will strengthen the sovereignty of Iran, internally and internationally,” Ambassador Elahi said.

#WATCH | Votes are being cast for the presidential election of Iran at a polling centre in Delhi.

Iran lost its serving president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19. pic.twitter.com/q3CMjIzfPT

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2024

“I thank the Indian government for facilitating and holding this election in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune… We hope that in the new government of Iran, the bilateral relations between India and Iran will strengthen,” he added.

The envoy also said that Ebrahim 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 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.”

“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.

(With inputs from agencies)