TEHRAN, May 21: Following the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the life of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the heads of the three branches of the Iranian government have unanimously agreed on June 28 as the date for snap presidential elections in the country, as reported by Press TV.
The decision was finalized during a meeting convened at the Presidency Office in Tehran, attended by Mohammad Mokhber, Head of the Executive Branch; Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Parliament Speaker; and Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, Judiciary Chief, according to IRNA news report.
This emergency session marked the second gathering between the three officials within hours of President Raisi’s tragic demise in a helicopter crash incident in East Azerbaijan province.
Per Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution, the top three officials are tasked with arranging presidential elections within 50 days following the death or incapacitation of the incumbent president.
The meeting, held on Monday, was also attended by Mohammad Dehghan, Iranian Deputy President for Legal Affairs; Siamak Rahpeykand, Deputy Chairman of the Guardian Council; and Mohammad Taghi Shahcheraghi, Deputy Interior Minister for Political Affairs.
A detailed timetable was established for the elections, permitting hopeful candidates to register from May 30 to June 3, with campaigns officially commencing on June 12 for a period of 15 days.
The tragic helicopter crash occurred on Sunday afternoon as President Raisi and his entourage were en route to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, from a project site on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, where he had inaugurated a significant dam project.
Rescuers discovered the wreckage of the helicopter early on Monday following extensive search efforts involving over 70 teams. The crash claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, two senior provincial officials, crew members, and bodyguards.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, declared five days of national mourning, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of President Raisi and his companions. Ayatollah Khamenei praised Raisi as a dedicated servant of the nation, emphasizing his tireless commitment to public service.
The announcement of snap elections comes amidst a period of mourning and national reflection, as Iran grapples with the sudden loss of its leader and prepares to embark on a new chapter in its political landscape.
