As the deadline for registering candidates for the upcoming presidential elections approaches, there is a noticeable surge in political activity in Iran. Numerous candidates from different walks of life are rushing to submit their applications, preparing for what the Iranian media thinks will be a ‘transformative election’.
Rules for the registration of candidates and the general situation in the country
The five-day registration period began on May, 30 and ended on June, 3 and the final list of candidates will be published on June, 11. Early elections were triggered by the tragic death of President Raisi in a helicopter crash on May, 19 which also killed Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and six others.
Iranian law requires candidates to be between the ages of 40 and 75, have at least a master’s degree and four years of experience in public administration or related fields. All candidates must be vetted by the 12-member Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will release the names of suitable candidates on June, 11. This rigorous process ensures that only the most capable and experienced individuals will be considered, thereby maintaining the integrity of the election. Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told reporters that the country is at a sensitive stage after the death of the president, but management of affairs has not failed thanks to “the wise instructions of the leader of the Islamic Revolution and the rules established by the Constitution”. At the moment, such prominent figures as Said Jalili, former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mostafa Kavakebian, Secretary General of the Democratic Party Mardomsalari, Ali Larijani, former Speaker of Parliament, and many other well-known politicians in the country have registered.
Iranian media writes that the enthusiasm associated with the registration period not only highlighted the dynamic political environment, but also the resilience and unity of the nation in the face of adversity. At the same time, the general mood in Iran as the election’s approach is a mixture of cautious optimism and resolute engagement. This period of political activity is a testament to the strength of the democratic processes in Iran and the commitment of its people to participate in shaping their future.
The presidential campaigns will begin on June, 12 and last until June, 27, which gives candidates enough time to present their platforms to the electorate. These elections represent a critical moment for Iran, providing an opportunity to review its domestic and international policies and address complex issues such as economic sanctions and regional tensions. The sharp increase in the........