Millions of Iranians vote in presidential election to replace late President Raisi

Iranians voted in a snap election to replace late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash, amidst public apathy due to economic woes, mass protests, and regional tensions. The election features hard-line candidates and a reformist seeking change within Iran's Shiite theocracy. Women and advocates for radical change are excluded from the ballot, with no international monitoring of the vote. The election is crucial as presidents can influence Iran's policies towards confrontation or negotiation with the West, despite the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holding ultimate authority. The race is described as a three-way contest, with two hard-liners, Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and a cleric, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, in the running. A higher turnout could benefit the reformist candidate, heart surgeon Masoud Pezeshkian, who aims to restore the nuclear accord and improve relations with the West. With record-low election turnout in recent years, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi oversaw the opening of polling stations, emphasizing the importance of public participation. Khamenei cast an early vote and urged high turnout to address public discontent over economic hardships and political restrictions. The election outcome could impact the succession to Khamenei, who has been in power since 1989. The candidates have distanced themselves from harsh treatment of women, particularly regarding the hijab issue, following the death of a Kurdish Iranian woman in detention. The election results are not expected to bring significant policy shifts in Iran but could shape the country's future direction. Manual ballot counting means the final result may take two days to announce, with initial figures anticipated on Saturday.