The Guardian Council of Iran has approved the candidacy of the hard-line parliament speaker and five other contenders for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 28, following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed President Ebrahim Raisi’s life and those of seven others.
Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known for his controversial tenure and the crackdown that followed his disputed reelection in 2009, was once again barred from running.
This decision marks the beginning of a brief two-week campaign to replace Raisi, who was considered a staunch ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a potential successor.
The approved candidates reflect Iran’s intention to swiftly proceed with the election amid low voter turnout and ongoing tensions surrounding the nuclear program and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Guardian Council maintained its stance against admitting female candidates or those advocating for significant political reforms.
The campaign is expected to include televised debates among the candidates, as well as traditional campaign activities like stump speeches and billboard advertisements.
While all candidates have pledged to address the country’s economic challenges exacerbated by sanctions, none have provided detailed plans yet.
Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, a former mayor of Tehran with ties to the Revolutionary Guard, is a prominent contender. However, his past involvement in crackdowns on student protests raises questions.
Ahmadinejad’s disqualification underscores ongoing political divisions, given his confrontational approach towards Khamenei and his role in suppressing dissent during the Green Movement protests.
Tensions between Iran and the West have heightened due to the West’s support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and Iran’s involvement in proxy conflicts across the Middle East.
The recent helicopter crash that claimed Raisi’s life adds a somber note to the election process, although authorities have not indicated foul play.
Raisi’s death marks the second instance of an Iranian president dying in office, following President Mohammad Ali Rajai’s assassination in 1981 during the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution.