The upcoming presidential election in Iran has taken an unexpected turn with the entry of controversial figures such as ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, moderate Ali Larijani, and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili into the race. However, it remains unclear who will be qualified to run as the Guardian Council, the constitutional body that vets all candidates, will have the final say.
Ahmadinejad, who served as president from 2005 to 2013, has made a surprising comeback by registering to run again. Despite facing criticism for his previous terms in office marked by economic turmoil and international tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, Ahmadinejad remains confident in his ability to address the country’s issues.
Joining Ahmadinejad in the race are other notable figures such as Saeed Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, a three-time parliament speaker, and Alireza Zakani, Tehran’s Mayor. Each candidate brings their own unique background and platform to the table, promising a diverse range of choices for voters.
With the recent low turnout in both presidential and parliamentary elections, the upcoming vote is expected to face challenges in engaging the Iranian population. A survey conducted by the Iranian parliament’s research center revealed that only 53.4 percent of respondents are committed to voting, with nearly 29 percent undecided.
As the Guardian Council begins vetting candidates this week, the political landscape in Iran is set to shift once again. The final list of approved candidates will be announced on June 11, setting the stage for a highly anticipated election on June 28. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.