In the wake of President Ebrahim Raisi’s tragic death in a helicopter crash, Iran has commenced the registration of candidates for an early election scheduled for next month, according to Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi speaking to state TV.
Raisi, who was once viewed as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has left a void that has sparked fierce competition among hardliners vying to shape the selection of Iran’s next leader.
Following the five-day registration period, the Guardian Council, responsible for overseeing elections and legislation, will scrutinize the candidates seeking the presidency.
“The vetting process will span seven days, after which qualified candidates will have nearly two weeks for their election campaign,” Vahidi stated on state TV. The Guardian Council is set to announce the list of qualified candidates on June 11.
Moderate politicians have criticized the 12-member hardline Guardian Council for allegedly disqualifying rivals to hardline candidates who are anticipated to dominate the upcoming presidential race.
Restricted choices on the ballot and escalating discontent over a range of political, social, and economic crises may potentially impact voter turnout.
In Iran’s intricate system of clerical rulers and elected officials, Khamenei holds ultimate authority over all state matters, including nuclear and foreign policies. However, the elected president will be responsible for addressing the country’s deepening economic challenges.
Potential candidates in the registration process may include Parviz Fattah, a former Guards member who leads an investment fund associated with the leader, and Saeed Jalili, a former chief nuclear negotiator who previously served in Khamenei’s office for four years, as reported by insiders.
Interim President Mohammad Mokhber and former parliament speaker and adviser to Khamenei, Ali Larijani, have also been mentioned in Iranian media as potential candidates. Larijani was disqualified from running in the 2021 presidential race. Several lesser-known moderate politicians are expected to throw their hats into the ring.
