Azerbaijan, Baku, May.17/ Trend R.Zamanov
A principlist candidate Alireza Zakani has accused former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani of committing blunders during his time in office, Fars news agency reported.
He also predicted Rafsanjani's defeat in the upcoming presidential election.
"Rafsanjani registered for the elections under the influence of his friends and family. If he becomes president, he will regret his choice," Zakani said, adding that Rafsanjani would be making the same mistakes as he did during his years as president.
Zakani, who is also a member of Parliament, went on to note that Rafsanjani's presence in the race makes it necessary for Principlists to remain united and consolidate their stance against other rivals.
Rafsanjani is the Chairman of the Expediency council and served as Iran's president from 1989 to 1997.
In 2005, he ran for a third term in office, but lost the race to his rival Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iran's presidential election will be held on June 14.
The Guardian Council has extended the deadline for announcing final candidates for Iran's presidential race.
According to Guardian Council Spokesman Abbas Ali Kad-Khodaei, the body will have until the 21st of May to announce the names of the approved candidates.