In a tightly controlled election, Iranians are voting for a new president following the tragic death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The snap election comes at a time of growing public frustration, with escalating regional tensions and increased Western pressure on Iran's nuclear program.

Iran's state TV announced that the election authority has extended polls for two more hours until 10pm local time, following the presence of people in polling stations. It is expected that there will be successive extensions until nearly midnight to accommodate voters.

The outcome of the election could have implications for the succession to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's 85-year-old supreme leader, who has been in power since 1989. A council made up of scholars and jurists aligned with Khamenei vetted the candidates, approving only six out of 80 initially. Two contenders subsequently dropped out.

Among the remaining candidates are prominent hardliners Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, parliament speaker and former commander of the air force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Saeed Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator who served in Khamenei's office. The sole comparative centrist, Masoud Pezeshkian, advocates detente with the West, economic reform, social liberalization, and political pluralism while remaining faithful to Iran's theocratic rule.

Voter turnout has been a major concern for the election, as it has plunged over the past four years. Many Iranians did not turn out earlier due to the weekend and hot weather. A higher turnout is crucial for the only reformist candidate to have a larger chance. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for a high turnout to offset a legitimacy crisis fueled by public discontent over economic hardship and curbs on political and social freedom.

Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi announced that nearly 60,000 voting stations and 90,000 voting points were set up across the country, with over 300 voting stations abroad. More than 61 million people are eligible to vote inside and outside the country. The final result is expected to be announced in two days after manual counting of the ballots, although initial figures may come out sooner. If no candidate secures at least 50 percent plus one vote, including blank votes, a run-off between the top two candidates will be held on the first Friday after the result is declared.

The next president is not expected to bring about significant policy changes regarding Iran's nuclear program or support for militia groups across the Middle East, as Ayatollah Khamenei holds authority over such matters. However, the president can influence the day-to-day functioning of the government and the tone of Iran's foreign and domestic policies.

All four candidates have promised to revive Iran's flagging economy, which has been plagued by mismanagement, state corruption, and sanctions reimposed since 2018. However, there have been calls for an election boycott, with some activists using the hashtag #ElectionCircus, as they believe a high turnout would legitimize the Islamic republic.

As Iranians cast their ballots, the outcome of the election remains uncertain, with the future political landscape of Iran hanging in the balance.