Iran`s Prez-elect calls his win `victory of wisdom over extremism`

Zee Media Bureau Tehran: Tens of thousands of Iranians took to streets to celebrate the presidential victory of Hassan Rouhani as the reformist-backed cleric won the race by a wide lead. Rouhani garnered more than 50 percent of more than 36 million votes cast in Friday`s election whereas his closest rival, Tehran`s Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, only won 16.58 percent of the votes. Delighted at Rouhani`s win, Iranians chanted pro-reform slogans and echoes of `Long Live Rouhani` filled the jubilant Iranian atmosphere. Rouhani was congratulated by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who said, "I urge everyone to help the president-elect and his colleagues in the government, as he is the president of the whole nation." The presidential vote would be ratified by the Supreme Leader on 03 August and Rouhani will take the oath in parliament. In his first statement after the results were announced, Rouhani said that "a new opportunity has been created ... for those who truly respect democracy, interaction and free dialogue." "I`ve never been an extremist," Rouhani said on state TV shortly after the official results were announced. "I support moderation." "I thank God that once again rationality and moderation has shined on Iran," he continued. "This is the victory of wisdom, a victory of moderation and a victory of commitment over extremism." His emphasis on outreach could sharply lower the political temperature between Iran and the West — including Israel — and perhaps nudge the ruling establishment toward more flexible approaches in possible renewed nuclear talks with the U.S. and world powers. Rouhani also has added leverage with his political godfather and ally, former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was blocked from the ballot but now can exert significant influence from the wings. But in Iran, even landslides at the ballot box do not equate to policymaking influence. All key decisions — including nuclear efforts, defense and foreign affairs — remain solidly in the hands of the ruling clerics and their powerful protectors, the Revolutionary Guard. What Rouhani`s victory does is reopen space for moderate and liberal voices that have been largely muzzled in reprisal for massive protests and clashes in 2009 over claims the vote was rigged to deny reformists the presidency. Rouhani`s supporters also viewed the election as a rebuke of uncompromising policies that have left the Islamic Republic increasingly isolated and under biting sanctions from the West over Tehran`s nuclear program. The 64-year-old Rouhani is hardly a radical — having served in governments and in the highly sensitive role of nuclear negotiator — but he has taken a strong stance against the combative international policies of outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejadand others. On social media, many supported quickly posted images mixing the Green Movement colors with the signature purple of Rouhani`s campaign with the boast: "We won!" Some cried: "Ahmadinejad, bye bye." Others chanted slogans not heard openly oIran`s streets for years: calling for the release of political prisoners including Green Movement leader Mir Hossein Mousavi and opposition figure Mahdi Karroubi, both candidates in 2009 and both under house arrest. The election result gave an immediate boost in a rare show of optimism. Tehran`s stock exchange index rose 2 percent while the rial strengthened 9 percent against the U.S. dollar. The street celebrations also put an emphatic stamp on the end of Ahmadinejad`s eight-year era.

With Agency Inputs