Iran, Tehran, Feb. 2 / Trend , A.Namdari/
Khatami's participation in the upcoming presidential elections in Iran will unite the Usulgara and Eslahtalaba camps, former Iranian member of parliament Emad Afroug told Trend . Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said he may take part in the upcoming presidential elections on Jan. 31. Khatami or former Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi will run for president.
"I must rely on God and go to the stage," Khatami said on Jan. 31.
According to Afroug, Khatami's nomination will unite Usulgara around a single leader whereas Mousavi would weaken the party's position. Afroug said Usulgara will not support one leader if neither Mousavi nor Khatami decides to run. It is difficult to say who will participate in the upcoming presidential elections in Iran, he said. Deputy Speaker to former President Khatami Mohammad Ali Abtahi said Khatami will run for president. "Khatami's refraining to participate in the elections would be unacceptable," Abtahi told the LA Times on Feb. 2. Eslahtalaba and several Iranian parties want to nominate Khatami.
But Khatami has not officially declared his intention to run for president. He has said that he wants Mousavi to run for the post. Mousavi has been out of politics for 20 years and currently heads the Center of Arts in Tehran. The presidential elections take place every four years in Iran.
Presidential nominees may participate in the electoral process after approval by the Supervisory Board.
The individual elected as president receives the official status only after being approved by the Supreme Religious Leader - the most influential person in Iran.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected president in summer 2005. He has not officially stated his intention to participate in the presidential elections.
The only person to officially announce his desire to run for president is former Iranian Parliamentary Speaker, National Trust Party leader Mahdi Karroubi.
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