‘Presidential Elections’ – Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf Announces Presidential Bid#1!
Overview
In a significant political move, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has officially announced his candidacy for the presidential elections in 2024. Mr. Ghalibaf, a prominent figure in Iranian politics and a former mayor of Tehran, aims to leverage his extensive experience in governance and legislative leadership to secure the presidency. His announcement marks a critical moment in the lead-up to the elections, positioning him as a key contender in shaping Iran’s future political landscape.
Key Points
- Ghalibaf registers candidacy for the June 28 snap presidential election
- 80 candidates have submitted applications
- Guardian Council to vet candidates by June 11
- The election follows the death of President Ebrahim Raisi
Ghalibaf Registers for Presidential Election
Candidate Registration
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the conservative speaker of Iran’s parliament, has officially registered to run in the upcoming snap presidential election scheduled for June 28. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Interior Ministry in Tehran.
Application Process
Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi reported that a total of 80 applications were submitted during the five-day registration period, which ended on Monday evening. These candidates will await approval from the Guardian Council by June 11. The Guardian Council, a 12-member body dominated by conservatives and approved by Iran’s supreme leader, vets all candidates for public office.
Campaign Timeline
Candidates who pass the Guardian Council’s vetting process will have two weeks to campaign, present their manifestos, and participate in televised debates before the election.
Context of the Snap Election
Reason for the Snap Election
The snap election, initially scheduled for 2025, was moved up following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi on May 19. Raisi and seven members of his entourage, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, were killed in a helicopter crash on a foggy mountainside in northern Iran.
Ghalibaf’s Political History
Ghalibaf has a history of running for president, having done so in 2005 and 2013. In 2017, he withdrew from the race in favor of Raisi, who finished second to moderate leader Hassan Rouhani, securing Rouhani a second term.
Ghalibaf’s Economic Focus
Commitment to Economic Improvement
After registering his candidacy, Ghalibaf, 62, emphasized his commitment to improving Iran’s economy. He stated that he would not have entered the race if he did not believe he could solve the country’s economic and social problems. Ghalibaf has a background as a former commander of the air force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has served as the mayor of Tehran and chief of the Iranian police forces.
Current Political Role
Ghalibaf was re-elected as parliament speaker on May 28 following a legislative election in March.
Other Presidential Candidates
Prominent Figures in the Race
Several notable figures have also registered for the presidential election, including:
- Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
- Moderate ex-parliament speaker Ali Larijani
- Ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili
Impact on Other Candidates
Experts suggest that with Ghalibaf entering the race, Jalili’s chances of success have diminished. Additionally, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani is expected to withdraw his candidacy in favor of Ghalibaf.
Conclusion
The upcoming presidential election in Iran is set to be highly competitive with significant political figures vying for the position. The Guardian Council’s vetting process will be crucial in determining the final list of candidates who will have the opportunity to present their visions for Iran’s future.
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