After the tragic demise of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, the race for Iran’s presidency has intensified, with several prominent figures registering as candidates. Among them is Vahid Haghanian, a former Revolutionary Guards commander who was sanctioned by the US in 2019. Haghanian, a close aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasized his 45 years of experience in serving the presidency and the leader’s office as his qualifications.
The registration of candidates has seen a diverse range of individuals, including former parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, a prominent conservative, and Abdolnaser Hemmati, a former central bank governor. In total, 17 hopefuls have thrown their hats into the ring, a clear indication of the wide array of choices available to the voters.
The Guardian Council, responsible for vetting candidates, will publish the list of qualified candidates on June 11. However, the council has previously upheld a ban on women running for president based on Iran’s Islamic laws. Nevertheless, Zohreh Elahian, a conservative former lawmaker, registered for the election, advocating for a “healthy government, a healthy economy and a healthy society.”
The untimely passing of Raisi, who was seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Khamenei, has set off a power struggle among hardliners to influence the selection of Khamenei’s successor. This development has raised concerns among moderate politicians about the disqualification of candidates, a move that could potentially lead to reduced voter turnout and cast doubt on the legitimacy of Iran’s theocratic system of government.
In Iran’s political framework, while Supreme Leader Khamenei has the final say on state matters such as nuclear and foreign policies, the elected president plays a crucial role in addressing the country’s economic challenges. As the election unfolds, several heavyweight hardliners and lower-key moderates are expected to enter the race, shaping the dynamics of the upcoming election.
