Moderate cleric Hassan Rohani won the Iranian presidential election in such a landslide there will be no second round run-off election.
Rohani is known for his placating nuclear talks with foreign countries. He was the only reform candidate allowed to run in the election, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The ruling clerics allowed multiple “staunch loyalists of the supreme leader” to run, and only allowed Rohani as a reform candidate that they deemed less disagreeable than the others.
Ronani’s victory brings hope to reformers as a stark contrast to current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Foreign powers will likely welcome Rohani as Iran’s new president, according to Reuters, in hopes that he will pursue a more peaceable approach to talks on nuclear activity.
"Many people are holding Rohani posters," one witness in Tehran said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "Some are hugging and crying. We are all so happy here. We can't believe there is finally a change."
People amassed near the president-elect’s headquarters in Tehran to celebrate his victory. The crowds cheered, “Long live reform, long live Rohani.”
Some cheered a farewell to Ahmadinejah: “Ahmadi, bye bye.”
Others perceived this win as a redemption for reformist Mirhossein Mousavi, who some believe lost the 2009 election as a result of vote-rigging by Ahmadinejad’s camp.
Mousavi’s devotees cheered, "Mousavi, Mousavi, I got back your vote" and "Mousavi, Mousavi, congratulations on your victory.”