Iran’s radical justice chief Ebrahim Raisi said won a landslide victory in the country’s presidential election, a vote that both propelled the supreme leader’s protege to Tehran’s highest civilian post and recorded the lowest turnout in Islamic Republic history.
Raisi won 61.95 percent of the vote in Friday’s election out of a turnout of 48.8 percent.
Raisi, 60, will take office in August, replacing moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who was not constitutionally authorized to run for a third consecutive term.
He will take power at a critical time, as Iran seeks to salvage its tattered nuclear deal with the major powers and break free from US sanctions that have caused a sharp economic downturn.
The election of Raisi, himself sanctioned by the United States for human rights violations, became more of a crown after his biggest competitor found himself disqualified.
Iran
Outgoing President Rouhani visited Raisi in his office to congratulate him.
“We will stay tuned and fully cooperate with the president-elect for the next 45 days, when the new government takes over (early August),” Rouhani said, quoted by state media.
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Raisi and expressed his hopes for “further development of constructive bilateral cooperation,” according to the RIA news agency, citing a press secretary at the Russian embassy in Tehran.
Pakistan
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he looked forward to working with Raisi to “further strengthen” the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran for “peace, progress and prosperity in the region”.
Congratulations to Excellency Brother Ibrahim Raisi @raisi_com on his historic victory in the 13th presidential elections of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Looking forward to working with him to further strengthen our fraternal ties and for peace, progress and prosperity in the region.
– Imran Khan (mImranKhanPTI) June 19, 2021
turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Raisi on his victory, saying he believes cooperation between the two neighbors will strengthen during Raisi’s tenure.
“Stating my conviction that cooperation between our two countries will be strengthened during your presidency, I am ready to work with you,” Erdogan said in a letter sent to Raisi.
Syria
Assad congratulated Raisi on his victory and said he wanted to work with the new president to strengthen ties between the two countries, according to a statement from the Syrian presidency.
Iraq
“I send you my sincere congratulations and blessings on the occasion of your [Raisi’s] election to the presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, ”said Iraqi President Barham Salih.
“We in Iraq look forward to strengthening our strong relationship with our neighbor Iran and his people. “
Amnesty International
Human rights group leader Agnes Callamard says Raisi’s election victory calls for Raisi to be investigated for ‘crimes against humanity’“.
“That Ebrahim Raisi has ascended to the presidency instead of being investigated for the crimes against humanity of murder, enforced disappearance and torture, is a grim reminder that impunity reigns supreme in Iran, ”she posted on Twitter.
“We continue to call for Ebrahim Raisi to be investigated for his involvement in past and ongoing crimes under international law, including by states exercising universal jurisdiction. “
The result of # Iran “Election” was predictable. But nevertheless, that #EbrahimRaisi ascended to the presidency instead of being investigated for crimes against humanity of murder, enforced disappearance and torture, is a grim reminder that impunity reigns supreme in Iran
– Agnès Callamard (@AgnesCallamard) June 19, 2021
Hamas
“We congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran on the success of the democratic process, the holding of the presidential election and the victory of Ebrahim Raisi as President of Iran,” Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told Gaza, in a statement.
“We wish the Islamic Republic of Iran progress and prosperity. Iran has always been a fundamental and real support for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian resistance.
United Arab Emirates
“We wish the Islamic Republic and our bilateral relations stability, continuity and prosperity,” Vice President and de facto ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said in a statement tweeted by the Dubai Media Office.
Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed also sent a congratulatory message to Raisi, the official WAM news agency reported.
UAE leaders congratulate Ebrahim Raisi on winning Iranian presidential elections#WamNewshttps://t.co/d44qtkRkJQ
– English WAM (@WAMNEWS_ENG) June 19, 2021
Human Rights Watch
Raisi’s path to the presidency has been through “repression and an unfair election,” Michael Page, deputy director of the Middle East at HRW, said in a statement.
“As the head of Iran’s repressive justice system, Raisi has overseen some of the most heinous crimes in recent Iranian history, which deserve investigation and accountability rather than election to high office.
. @hrw‘s @MichaelARPage: “Iranian authorities paved the way for Ebrahim Raeesi to become president through repression and an unfair election” https://t.co/MNy4NPARYw pic.twitter.com/F5XrEoEBNI
– Tara Sepehri Far (تارا سپهریفر) 😷 (@sepehrifar) June 19, 2021
