Iran’s Ambassador Iraj Elahi Thanks India for Helping with Presidential Elections

New Delhi [India], June 28: Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, expressed his gratitude to India for facilitating the snap presidential elections in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune. He emphasized that Iranians will elect their president through direct voting, as per the Constitution.

Elahi stated, “Iranians will elect their president according to the Constitution of Iran, by the direct vote of the people. Four people are competing for the post. I think it will strengthen the sovereignty of Iran, internally and internationally. I thank the Indian government for facilitating and holding this election in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune… We hope that in the new government of Iran, the bilateral relations between India and Iran will strengthen.”

The elections follow the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a chopper crash on May 19. Polling centers have been set up in various Indian cities to allow Iranians living in India to vote. Across Iran, 58,640 polling stations have been established in public spaces like mosques and schools.

Elahi also highlighted the importance of the Chabahar Port project, a key transit port for trade with Afghanistan, developed in collaboration with India. He mentioned that the Chabahar port pact deal will enhance regional connectivity and facilitate trade between India, Iran, and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.

Regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Elahi said, “SCO is an important entity in the international community. It can play an important role in facilitating and paving the way for a new international order.” He added, “We hope that India uses its potential to strengthen entities like BRICS and SCO.”

If no candidate wins 50% of the vote in the Iran elections, a second round will be held on July 5.