A lawmaker from the reformist camp, Pezeshkian has sometimes criticised Iran's clerical establishment for suppressing dissent and advocates warmer ties with the West. However, he remains faithful to Iran's theocracy and is doubtful to challenge the authority of the Supreme Leader.
The snap presidential elections were called in the wake of late President Ebrahim Raisi's death in late May and narrowed down to a hardline former negotiator and reformist lawmaker. Iran's presidency does not offer any radical changes as all crucial policies are handled by the Supreme Leader.
A neck-to-neck contest was witnessed in Iran's tightly controlled presidential race between hardline Saeed Jalili and sole moderate candidate Massoud Pezeshkian. Saeed Jalili is a former nuclear negotiator close to the Supreme Leader while Pezeshkian advocates warmer ties with the West.
Saeed Jalili is a hardline former nuclear negotiator who has worked for four years under Khameini. On the other hand, moderate candidate Massoud Pazeshkian is an advocate for theocratic rule but has called for detente with the West, economic reform and social liberalisation.
Iran's presidential elections were announced on June 28 after President Ebrahim Raisi's tragic demise in a helicopter crash on May 19. Raisi's sudden death had triggered a race among hardliners to influence the selection of Iran's next leader.
Tehran, Jun 15: Iran's reformist-backed presidential candidate surged to a wide lead in early vote-counting on Saturday, a top official said, suggesting a flurry of late support could have swayed a race that once appeared
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