Azerbaijan, Baku, Jun.11/ Trend F.Eminli
Former president Seyyed Mohammad Khatami announced his support for the reformist candidate Hassan Roohani in the upcoming election.
In a formal statement published on his website, Khatami thanked Mohammad Reza Aref who withdrew his candidacy in favor of Roohani.
He also urged all the Iranians especially the reformists to take part in the election.
Mohammad Reza Aref left the race for the June 14 election last night.
In a statement on his website, the reformist hopeful announced his withdrawal in favor of the reformist camp.
Aref said he made the decision by request of Khatami.
Aref said he relinquished his right to the benefit of the great Iranian nation and described the decision as a manifestation of genuine reformism.
He also called on the nation to take part in the elections en masse.
Now the reformist camp has a single candidate in the race- Hassan Rohani.
Iran will hold the 11th presidential election on June 14, 2013.
The voters will select the successor of the current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is not able to participate in the elections for the third term according to the country's constitutional laws.
The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election. The Guardian Council has vetted the candidates for qualifications.