In a firm statement issued on Monday, Iran has announced five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi who recently died in a helicopter crash.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made the announcement in an official statement a day after the death of Raisi and other officials in the crash in East Azerbaijan province.
“I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran,” said Khamenei.
Relatedly, Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, is expected to assume temporary leadership as stipulated in the constitution if the supreme leader approves.
It was gathered that Mokhber, aged 68, was appointed vice president as Raisi took office in August 2021.
In Iran, it was learnt that if the president passes away during their term, Article 131 of the Constitution dictates that the first vice president assumes temporary presidency, subject to confirmation by the supreme leader.
The Iranian constitution stipulates that the first vice president takes over “in the event of the president’s death, dismissal, resignation, absence or illness for more than two months”.
However, the supreme leader of Iran must confirm this transition of power.
Consequently, Mokhber’s interim appointment requires the approval of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final word in all state affairs.
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Furthermore, a council comprising the first vice president, the parliament speaker, and the judiciary head must organize a new presidential election within a maximum period of 50 days.
It is pertinent to note also that Mohammad Mokhber is part of a council alongside the speaker of Parliament and the head of the judiciary and together, they are tasked with organising a new presidential election within 50 days of the president’s demise.
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