Tehran, Iran, May 15
By Mehdi Sepahvand, Khalid Kazimov - Trend:
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s decision to withdraw from Iran’s presidential race would strengthen conservatives at the May 19 presidential election, a former Iranian MP told Trend.
Esmail Kosari, a conservative figure and former MP, has said that Qalibaf’s decision would help Ebrahim Raeisi, another pro-conservative nominee, to win the race in the first round.
The coalition between the two conservative nominees will benefit the country’s economy in a post-election era, if Raeisi manages to assume power through the election.
Tehran mayor and a candidate in Iran's 12th presidential election, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, issued a statement on May 15 announcing that he is to withdraw from the presidential race while backing Ebrahim Raeisi.
Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani backed by reformists is seeking re-election in the upcoming election.
Iran conservatives bet on Raeisi after Qalibaf's exit from presidential race
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s decision to withdraw from Iran’s presidential race would strengthen conservatives at the May 19 presidential election
