NOURNEWS: The fifteen-day breathtaking marathon of the snap presidential election in Iran has ended, with Masoud Pezeshkian crossing the finish line ahead of his rival Saeid Jalili, earning more than 16 million votes.
As a result, after 19 years, reformists have returned to Pastour, set to dominate the government's discourse, which is expected to have been updated and undergone necessary reconstructions.
Unlike what rivals were attempting to convey, Pezeshkian’s government does not define itself as a mere continuation of Hassan Rouhani's and Mohammad Khatami’s governments but rather as their improved and enhanced successor. It aims to design and execute a distinguished form of governance under the general banner of reformism.
Nournews has extracted some key points of Pezeshkian’s reconstructed model of reformism based on what he said during his campaign, which are as follows:
The value of justice will likely be more prioritized in both economic and social representations.
While preventing the destructive interference of government in the economy, there are precise programs for improving the livelihood of the disadvantaged.
Fighting with other powers will be replaced with cooperation and engagement.
On the subject of foreign relations, they will consider resistance along with diplomacy more than in the past.
Attempts to revive social capital and national convergence will replace fabricated polarization.
Over the past couple of years, some political thinkers and citizens in Iran have voiced concerns about a decline in political efficacy. There were rumors that people's options for elected representatives had been limited and their authority in the election process weakened.
Unrest during the autumn of 2022-2023 intensified these rumors, highlighting a preference among Generation Z for "street politics." This shift in political culture was reflected in worryingly low voter turnout during parliamentary elections. Similarly, low participation was observed during the first round of the presidential election. However, during the runoff, approximately 50 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, indicating a potential revival in policymaking in Iran, largely attributed to the efforts of reformers.
There is no doubt that we must carefully, patiently, and empathetically listen to the concerns of the 50% who were not convinced to participate in the elections. However, we cannot overlook the fact that Iranians, fully aware of all the obstacles and limitations, chose the option of "change from within the system" on a 50% scale. This choice, with its risks and drawbacks, is significantly minor and incomparable to other options.
The elections on the 15th of Tir (July 6th) must be evaluated and examined repeatedly, exploring its dimensions and various aspects. Undoubtedly, in the coming days, a more suitable opportunity will arise for contemplation on the hidden aspects of this significant event.
NOURNEWS