Iranians vote in snap presidential elections

DUBAI:

Iranians voted for a new president on Friday following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at a time of escalating regional tension due to war in Gaza.

While the election is unlikely to bring a major shift in Iran’s policies, its outcome could influence the succession to 85-year-old supreme leader. Khamenei has called for a high turnout in the snap presidential election to offset any legitimacy crisis.

“The durability, strength, dignity and reputation of the Islamic Republic depend on people’s presence,” Khamenei told state television after casting his vote. “High turnout is a definite necessity,” said Khamenei.