Politics

Hassan Rouhani Wins Presidential Election in Iran

Hassan Rouhani Wins Presidential Election in Iran
Bernadine Racoma

Former National Security Council head and centrist candidate Hassan Rouhani won the recently concluded presidential elections in Iran. Rouhani, now 65 years old, takes the helm from his predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the face of economic sanctions from the West in relation to Iran’s much criticized nuclear ambitions. Rouhani may be head of state, but the higher seat of power still belongs to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has been in office since 1989.

Upon news of Rouhani’s victory, Iranians flocked to the streets cheering and celebrating. They were also chanting curt and definite goodbyes to Rouhani’s predecessor. Through the Fars News Agency, the newly-elected President of Iran referred to his win as the “victory of wisdom, moderation, growth and awareness…commitment and religiosity over extremism and ill tempers.”

Campaign promises

Rouhani promised his constituents greater personal freedoms, a better economy, and solutions to the problem of unemployment. The former nuclear negotiator also said that he’d free journalist and political prisoners in jail. During the campaign, Rouhani made a pledge to address the sanctions in order to reduce the existing tension between the rest of the world and Iran.

President-elect Rouhani said he’d deliver all these promises while remaining loyal to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Rouhani also gave assurances that his leadership will not threaten the country’s established institutions.

International skepticism

Greetings of congratulations were mixed with skepticism and doubt as to whether or not Rouhani’s leadership will indeed affect change. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron warned that Iran’s form of democracy is “not democracy as we know it.” The British Foreign Office was quick to urge the new head of state to lead his country in a new direction and steer his people towards a different course. A spokesperson speaking on behalf of the foreign office said that the challenge for Rouhani now revolves around improving human rights and political situations in Iran, establishing constructive relationships with the international community, and addressing pertinent concerns with regard to the country’s nuclear program.

In the meantime, the White House said that it respected the results of the polls but insisted that the vote occurred amidst media censorship, an intimidating environment, a general lack of transparency and existing limitations to freedom of expression and assembly.

No easing off of sanctions

Meanwhile, in the midst of intended reforms, many leaders expressed concern with regard to decreasing sanctions on Iran. The Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu was explicit in his view that caution with regard to the easing off of sanctions. He added that the international community must not be deluded and caught up in wishes. PM Netanyahu urged everyone not to let up the pressure on Iran or relax the opposition to its nuclear program. He expressed these sentiments during a routine cabinet meeting. He also reminded those present that the Supreme Leader of Iran disqualified presidential hopefuls who did not support his extremist outlook.

After offering congratulations, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Iran’s new leadership to assume a constructive role not just in regional affairs but international matters as well.

Caption: President-elect Hassan Rouhani of Iran.

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