Iran votes in first presidential election since nuclear deal
You're referring to the 2017 Iranian presidential election!
Yes, on May 19, 2017, Iranians went to the polls to elect their next president, marking the first presidential election since the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was implemented in 2015.
The election was significant because it came after a period of relative economic stability and increased international engagement, thanks to the nuclear deal. The deal lifted international sanctions on Iran, allowing for increased trade and investment.
The election saw a high turnout, with over 70% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The candidates were:
- Hassan Rouhani (incumbent): A moderate cleric and former nuclear negotiator who had been president since 2013.
- Ebrahim Raisi: A hardline cleric and former judiciary chief who was seen as a favorite of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Mostafa Aghamirzaei: A conservative cleric and former member of the Assembly of Experts.
- Mostafa Hashemitaba: A reformist politician and former minister of industries and mines.
- Eshaq Jahangiri: A reformist politician and incumbent first vice president.
In the end, Hassan Rouhani won the election with 57% of the vote, while Ebrahim Raisi received 38%. The election was seen as a significant victory for Rouhani, who had campaigned on a platform of continuing to improve relations with the international community and promoting economic growth.
The election was also notable for the relatively low turnout among hardline supporters of the Supreme Leader, which was seen as a sign of growing discontent among some segments of Iranian society with the government's handling of economic issues.
Overall, the 2017 Iranian presidential election was an important milestone in the country's political landscape, reflecting the ongoing tensions between reformists and hardliners, as well as the ongoing impact of the nuclear deal on Iran's economy and international relations.