WANA (June 26) – Today, Iran needs a “moderate activist” like Mr Pezeshkian, who, besides having positive personal qualities such as financial integrity, honesty, transparency, and noble candour, has an outstanding characteristic: being a “moderate activist.”

 

Pezeshkian, the reformist presidential candidate, operates on the boundary between the people and the government. He is part of the government but also enjoys popularity among the people. He has been a member of parliament multiple times, striving to be the voice of the people from the parliament’s podium. He doesn’t remain silent but doesn’t become excessively oppositional, either.

 

He is religious by nature but of the kind that also attracts the less religious majority. He is well-versed in the Quran and Nahj al-Balagha, yet he uses these texts not to impose his beliefs but to inspire and guide.

 

His approach is to find common ground and shared values, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among all Iranians, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian takes a selfie with one of his supporters during a campaign gathering

Presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian takes a selfie with one of his supporters during a campaign gathering in Tehran, Iran June 14, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

On the topic of women and hijab, he is moderate. He and his family are fully committed to hijab, but he believes that we should consider less-veiled girls as our own and treat them with tolerance. He also stands on the edge to prevent unnecessary conflicts over hijab from escalating into costly disputes.

 

Regarding ethnicity, while emphasizing the importance of Iran’s territorial unity and integrity, he does not ignore ethnic discrimination. He speaks of the rights of all residents of Iran.

He advocates for absolute equality for ethnic groups and Sunnis, but he frames all these within the concept of Iran. He also stands on the edge to prevent Iran from facing a disintegration crisis.

 

Pezeshkian’s “moderate activist” trait turns the potential threat of ethnic tensions into a real opportunity for unity among all Iranian ethnicities, neutralizing the threat of the Balkanization of Iran.

 

From an economic point of view, Pezeshkian still has solid leftist tendencies. He values the concepts of “rights” and justice, particularly the right to universal access to healthcare, education, housing, and fair wages for workers.

Presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian attends a campaign gathering

Presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian attends a campaign gathering in Tehran, Iran, on June 14, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Pezeshkian understands that in today’s world and within Iran, there is a need to engage with various sectors and not ignore economic development. Many might be surprised because some of Pezeshkian’s supporters come from economically right-wing factions.

 

Some experts believe that the path to democratizing a society like Iran’s goes through the model of “moderate religious left activism.” Many understand that even if they want freedom, they must provide a minimum level of economic welfare for society.

 

Pezeshkian just needs to continue being himself and maintain this ‘moderate activist’ character. He can heal the significant divides in Iranian society: the gap between the religious and less religious, the gender gap, the ethnic gap, the class gap, and most importantly, the gap between the government and the people, although it will take time.

 

His approach is not to ignore or suppress these divides but to address them openly and constructively, fostering dialogue, understanding, and ultimately, unity.

 

By freelance report

WANA - Iran's presidential election 2024

WANA – Iran’s presidential election 2024