Iranians choose between ultra-conservative and reformist presidential candidates

Iranians headed to the polls on Friday to elect their next president, with two very different candidates vying for the position.

On one hand, ultraconservative Saeed Jalili pledges to confront Iran's enemies and intends to double down on social restrictions. On the other hand, reformist Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian vows to make peace with the world, promising to ease stifling rules for young people and women. The candidates' starkly contrasting ideologies have turned the election into a fierce competition.

The Runoff

The runoff on Friday is between Saeed Jalili and Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, as the general election last week failed to produce a candidate with the required 50 percent of the vote. This marks the first time in more than a decade that the election outcome is difficult to predict.

The result of the runoff may hinge on how many Iranians who sat out the vote in the general election decide to participate. Last week, the turnout was at a record low of 40 percent, with the majority boycotting the vote due to anger at the government or alienation and apathy over the failure of previous governments to produce meaningful changes.

As the country awaits the outcome, all eyes are on the voter turnout and the decision that will shape Iran's future.