TEHRAN – Today marked the inaugural session of the General Assembly of the Islamic Revolution Faction within the Twelfth Iranian Parliament, where crucial elections were conducted to determine the interim leadership of the faction.

Mosa Ghazanfarabadi, the representative from Bam in the Iranian Parliament, and Mahmoud Nabavian emerged as nominees for the interim presidency of the faction. Following the electoral process, Ghazanfarabadi secured the majority of votes, thus clinching the interim presidency of the Islamic Revolution Faction within the Twelfth Parliament.

Moreover, Mohammad Saleh Jokar and Malek Shariati were designated as the interim vice presidents of the Islamic Revolution Faction, further bolstering the leadership lineup.

In a significant development, Farshad Ebrahimpour, representing Izeh and Baghmalek in the Iranian Parliament, assumed the role of treasurer, while Ahad Azadikhah, hailing from Malayer, was appointed as the interim spokesperson for the Islamic Revolution Faction within the Twelfth Parliament. 

Fatemeh Mohammadbeigi and Rouhollah Abbaspour were also entrusted with the responsibilities of interim secretaries.

Malek Shariati, serving as the spokesperson of the executive board of the Islamic Revolution Faction within the Twelfth Parliament, conveyed insights during an interview with Mehr News Agency on Sunday. 

He elaborated on the significant turnout, with 187 elected members of the Twelfth Parliament participating in the assembly, underscoring the considerable influence the Islamic Revolution Faction is poised to wield within the parliament. 

The commencement of the 12th Iranian Parliament was marred by tragedy as the nation grappled with the untimely death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The devastating incident, which occurred on May 19, sent shockwaves across the political landscape, prompting an immediate response from parliamentary officials to ensure continuity and stability in governance.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and his entourage crashed around afternoon as it was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, from a location on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan where the Iranian president had opened a major dam project.

Rescuers found the wreckage of the helicopter early on Monday after hours of extensive search which involved more than 70 teams.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and two senior provincial officials along with crew members and bodyguards also died as a result of the crash.

Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber was appointed to assume interim duties after the death of the president.

In the wake of the passing of the Iranian President, the country’s constitutional mandate outlined in Article 131 necessitates the swift organization of presidential elections in a timeframe of 50 days. A council comprising representatives from the judiciary, legislative, and the First Vice President is tasked with overseeing this transition. Following the council's deliberations and the subsequent approval by the Guardian Council, plans have been set in motion for early nationwide presidential elections scheduled for June 28, 2024.

Despite the profound loss suffered by the nation, the 12th Iranian Parliament remained resolute in its commitment to upholding the democratic process and fulfilling its constitutional obligations. 

As the Iranian Parliament embarked on its legislative journey amidst tragedy, the spirit of unity and resilience permeated through its halls. Drawing strength from the nation's collective resolve, parliamentary officials vowed to honor President Raisi's legacy by navigating through the challenges ahead with determination, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to serving the Iranian people.