On May 19, 2024, Iran was shaken by a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Ebrahim Raisi, the former president, along with Iran’s foreign minister and several other officials. The accident occurred amidst challenging weather conditions in a mountainous region, leading to an extensive search operation that yielded no survivors. Raisi’s sudden death had significant implications for Iran, as he was widely viewed as a potential successor to the Supreme Leader.
Following this unfortunate event, an interim president was swiftly appointed, adhering to Iran’s constitutional mandate that mandates new presidential elections within 50 days in case of the incumbent’s unnatural death during their term. Today, on June 28th, 2024, Iran held these crucial elections to elect a new permanent president.
In this electoral landscape, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has emerged as a leading contender. Ghalibaf, a seasoned Iranian politician, boasts an impressive resume, having served prominently as the Mayor of Tehran and as Speaker of the Parliament (Majlis). His influence extends into Iranian foreign policy, where he has played a pivotal role in relations with countries like India within the BRICS framework. Despite Iran not being a formal member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), Ghalibaf remains optimistic about the alliance’s potential to counterbalance the existing global order.
Iran’s elections hold significant importance for India due to the longstanding cordial bilateral relationship between the two countries rooted in historical affinities, cultural ties, strategic interests, and shared vision for the Global South. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasized the importance of trade conducted in local currencies, noting that India and Iran have engaged in such transactions in the past and are expected to resume them once technical issues are resolved. Elahi also announced that India will establish four polling stations in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad to accommodate the voting needs of over 3,000 Iranians studying and working in India.
Ghalibaf’s political career is marked by extensive experience and administrative success. He has run for the presidency three times before—in 2005, 2013, and 2017—demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of electoral challenges. Notably, he withdrew from the 2017 race to throw his support behind Raisi’s candidacy, showcasing strategic decision-making and political manoeuvring.
Known for his pragmatic approach, Ghalibaf prioritizes both domestic economic issues and foreign policy matters. This approach has garnered him significant popularity among Iranian voters, as recent surveys indicate his support at 28.7%, placing him ahead of notable competitors. Other notable candidates include Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi, a highly conservative medical doctor and staunch supporter of Raisi’s administration. Saeed Jalili, known for his unwavering anti-Western stance from his time as a former nuclear negotiator. Massoud Pezeshkian stands the sole reformist candidate. Mostafa Pourmohammadi, the only cleric among Iran’s presidential contenders. Lastly, Alireza Zakani, Tehran’s mayor since August 2021, with strong ultraconservative credentials. Among all these candidates, Ghalibaf seems to enjoy popular support of the people.
Ghalibaf’s appeal is bolstered by his past leadership roles, particularly his tenure as Tehran’s mayor and his command within Iran’s security and air forces. His economic agenda focuses on creating jobs, reducing unemployment, and enhancing living standards through structural reforms and advancements in the IT sector has attracted massive popularity from voters.
Despite facing setbacks in previous presidential bids, Ghalibaf remains a prominent figure in Iranian politics. His current role as Speaker of Parliament underscores his ongoing influence and ability to unite political elites, ensuring continuity in leadership and institutional stability.
Ghalibaf is widely regarded as an ambitious politician with a long-term vision for Iran’s political landscape, aiming to leave a lasting legacy. He skilfully navigates the demands of Iranian society and political elites, positioning himself as a central figure in national politics and symbolizing continuity in Iranian political leadership.
His repeated nominations for the presidency underscore his resilience and determination in seeking higher office, reflecting his adeptness at integrating societal aspirations into his political agenda. Ghalibaf aims to bolster Iran’s global standing while addressing domestic challenges, presenting a blend of experience, strategic foresight, and widespread public appeal. His campaign resonates strongly with Iranians seeking stability and economic progress amid regional and global uncertainties. Overall, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s candidacy represents a pivotal moment in Iranian politics, shaping the future direction of the Islamic Republic.