Factbox-What happens in Iran when a president dies in office?

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attends a TV interview in Tehran

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi looks on during a TV interview, in Tehran, Iran May 7, 2024. Iran's Presidency/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/ File Photo

Source: Wana News Agency

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash, an Iranian official and Mehr news agency reported on Monday. Below is a brief outline of what Iran's constitution says happens when a president is incapacitated or dies in office:

* If a president dies in office, article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution says that 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.

* A council consisting of the first vice president, the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary must arrange an election for a new president within a maximum period of 50 days.

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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.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters