Iran went to the polls yesterday to determine the replacement of President Ibrahim Reisi, who died in a helicopter crash last month. A second round will be held as none of the candidates have exceeded the 50 percent vote threshold.

 

The Interior Ministry's Election Center announced that Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili, who finished ahead in the first round, will participate in the second round. The decision is expected to be approved by the Supervisory Commission.

 

TURNOUT REMAINS AT ITS LOWEST LEVEL IN YEARS

 

According to the latest data released by the Election Center, more than 19 million votes have been counted. Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian led the race with 43.5 percent of the vote, while his close rival, conservative Saeed Jalili, came in second with 37.7 percent. Turnout was around 40 percent, which, if officially announced, would be the lowest turnout in Iran's presidential race since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

 

The second round of elections will be held on July 5.