Ebrahim Raisi martyred: What happens next?

After a shocking death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions in helicopter crash, a new challenge lies in front of Iran to elect its new leader.

As per the article 131 of the Islamic Republic’s constitution, the first vice president – who is Mohammad Mokhber – takes over, with the confirmation of the supreme leader, who has the final say in all matters of state in Iran.

Following that, a council featuring the first vice president, the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary must arrange an election for a new president within 50 days.

Raisi was elected president in 2021 and, under the usual timetable, a presidential election had been due to take place in 2025. Under constitutional rules, it can now be expected to take place by early July.

It is worth mentioning here that the 63-year-old, a figure representing conservative and hardline factions in Iranian politics, was president for nearly three years, and appeared on track to run for re-election next year.