Former Iran parliament speaker signs up for presidential vote after Raisi death
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Mr Ali Larijani, former chairman of the parliament of Iran, speaks at a press conference after registering as a candidate for the presidential election.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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DUBAI - Former Iranian parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, a prominent conservative, was among candidates registering on May 31 for an early election in June following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi
Mr Larijani, an adviser and ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told reporters that he would focus on fixing the economic problems facing Iranians and "resolving (US) sanctions", while maintaining a strong defence.
Mr Larijani was barred from standing in the 2021 presidential race by the clerical-led Guardian Council which vets candidates. But an Iranian insider told Reuters that Mr Larijani decided to run after he was assured by top officials that he would not be disqualified by the hardline council. No reason was given for the change.
Iran on May 30 started the registration of candidates for the June 28 election.
Once seen as a possible successor to Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's ultimate decision-maker, Raisi's sudden death has triggered a race among hardliners to influence the selection of the country's next leader.
After a five-day registration period,
Turnout may be hit by restricted choice on the ballot and rising discontent over an array of political, social and economic crises.
Within Iran's complex mix of clerical rulers and elected officials, Ayatollah Khamenei has the final say on all state matters such as nuclear and foreign policies. But the elected president will be in charge of tackling worsening economic hardship.
Mr Saeed Jalili, a former chief nuclear negotiator who two decades ago ran Ayatollah Khamenei's office for four years, was the first heavyweight hardliner to register for the election on May 30.
Mr Jalili had made an unsuccessful bid in 2013 for the presidency and withdrew from the 2021 race to support Raisi.
Mr Parviz Fattah, a former Revolutionary Guards member who heads an investment fund linked to the leader, could also register as a candidate.
Interim President Mohammad Mokhber has also been mentioned in Iranian media as a possible candidate.
Several low-key moderate politicians are also likely to enter the race. REUTERS
