Ebrahim Raisi Confirmed as Winner of Iranian Presidential Election

On June 21, 2021, Ebrahim Raisi was confirmed as the winner of the Iranian presidential elections, having secured nearly 62% of the popular vote. Raisi’s victory marked a significant political shift in Iran towards more conservative policies, as his presidency aligned with the country’s hardline factions.

Background

Prior to the 2021 presidential elections, Iran experienced heightened tension both internally and externally. Domestically, the electorate was contending with economic challenges, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions re-imposed after President Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Public dissatisfaction with the moderate policies under President Hassan Rouhani’s administration fueled a call for change amongst the conservative base.

The Election

Ebrahim Raisi, who previously served as the head of Iran’s judiciary, was regarded as a close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His candidacy was bolstered by his reputation as a staunch conservative with a focus on anti-corruption and economic reform. The Guardian Council, responsible for vetting candidates, had disqualified a number of moderate and reformist candidates, setting the stage for Raisi’s victory.

Raisi’s campaign promised to tackle Iran’s economic issues through domestic economic enhancement and self-reliance, aligning with the “Resistance Economy” model. This model emphasizes reducing Iran’s dependence on foreign investment and imports while increasing production capabilities internally.

Outcome

Raisi’s election as president came amid relatively low voter turnout – about 48.8% – which was the lowest in Iranian presidential election history. This figure reflected a sense of disillusionment and dissatisfaction among many Iranian voters, some of whom boycotted the polls as a protest against the perceived lack of genuine democratic choice.

Immediate Consequences

Raisi’s confirmation as president was expected to steer Iran towards firmer conservative policies, potentially affecting both internal governance and international diplomacy. His stance was anticipated to focus on consolidating power within Iran’s conservative factions and building a firm domestic front against external pressures. This shift raised questions about the future of Iran’s engagement with Western nations, particularly concerning the nuclear deal negotiations, as Raisi was known for his hardline approach.

Raisi’s presidency symbolized a consolidating trend of hardline Islamic politics in Iran, setting a tone for the succeeding years that prioritizes traditionalist values and sovereignty in the face of international pressures.