News - Middle East: Iran’s snap presidential election demonstrates the nation's commitment to participatory and competitive democratic processes, serving as a testament to the robustness of its democracy, says an analyst.

In an interview with the Press TV website, Mohsen Pakaeen, a retired career diplomat who served as Iran’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Thailand, said the June 28 vote stood out for its inclusivity, with candidates from different political backgrounds running for the top executive office.       

"The election was a reflection of the people's will, with a satisfactory turnout and representation from all political persuasions," he stated.

"It was a serious competition, indicative of a robust democratic exercise.”

The former ambassador highlighted the rapid vote-counting process and the immediate broadcast of results through state television as evidence of the ballot’s transparency and integrity.

“Representatives of the candidates were present at the ballot boxes, and no serious objections to the results were announced by any of the candidates, confirming the integrity of the process,” he said.

Despite attempts by certain hostile groups to disrupt the electoral process, the country’s security apparatus ensured a smooth and secure election.

“Some anti-revolutionary groups attempted to disrupt the electoral process during or before the vote, but they were arrested either before or during the elections. The country's security apparatus was in control and managed to protect the security of the vote,” he said.

The Friday vote ended in a tie between former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and former health minister and lawmaker Masoud Pezeshkian, leading to a run-off slated for Friday, July 5.

The two candidates on Sunday resumed campaigning across the country and the first of two presidential debates are scheduled to be held on Monday evening.