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Potential Iranian Presidential Candidates

Iran Materials 14 March 2013 20:18 (UTC +04:00)
Although three months are left until the presidential elections in Iran, politicians, parties and camps have entered the race for the nomination of their candidates for participation in presidential elections, and one can say that every other candidate appears on daily basis.
Potential Iranian Presidential Candidates

Azerbaijan, Baku, March 14 / Trend /

Trend Persian Desk Commentator Tamkin Jafarov

Although three months are left until the presidential elections in Iran, politicians, parties and camps have entered the race for the nomination of their candidates for participation in presidential elections, and one can say that every other candidate appears on daily basis.

Back in December 2012, three well-known figures from the ruling Usulgeralar camp (Conservatives), including the former speaker of the Iranian parliament Gulamali Haddad Adil, Supreme Leader's Advisor for International Affairs Ali Akbar Vilayati, and former commander of the Iranian police and current Mayor of Tehran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf agreed on the creation of coalitions for participation in the upcoming presidential election. The founders of this coalition, known as the 2 +1 (the triple coalition) have stated that based on the results of a public survey, they will support the candidacy of one of the three or a member of their camp.

It is expected that the Islamic Revolution Fellowship Association (Jamiyat-e Rahpuyan) of the Usulgeralar camp, known as supporters of changes, will put forward MP Alireza Zakani as their candidate. Zakani in turn, noted the possibility of multiple candidates from the Usulgeralar camp in case it does not pose a danger to the camp, otherwise, he stressed the need to support a single candidate.
Former Foreign Minister of Ahmadinejad's government, Manouchehr Mottaki, who has nominated himself from 'The Followers of line of Imam and Leader of Islamic Revolution', uniting 14 political parties, may also be noticed among the potential candidates.

Mottaki said before nominating himself, he conducted research work for a year, and only then made a decision. In his speeches, he criticized the policies of Ahmadinejad's government in various fields.

'The Followers of the Imam and Leader of Islamic Revolution' has supported not only Mottaki's candidacy, but of the Deputy Speaker of Iranian Parliament Mohammad Reza Bahonar and Head of Iran's Trade Commerce Yahya Ali Ishaq.

Among those who have announced their candidacy are the former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the secretary of the Expediency Council of Iran Mohsen Rezaee. Rezaee, along with nominating himself, also kicked off the election campaign in the provinces. Previously, he has twice run for the presidency. He carries on his campaign under the slogan "Victory of loyalty over power and wealth", promising to solve the problems of unemployment and high prices.
Former Security Minister under President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Ali Fellahiyan also has become one of the potential candidates by nominating himself from the ruling Usulgeralar camp.
Mohammed Saidikiya, represented in the cabinet during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Ahmadinejad, also has decided to challenge himself in the presidential race.

Head of the Center for Strategic Research of Iran's Expediency Council and former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Hassan Rouhani is also in the list of nominees. Rouhani is a close friend of former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Established in 2011 by a group of politicians criticizing the government of Ahmadinejad and considered to be the Usulgeralar camp's offshoot, the Front of stability of the Islamic revolution also intends to nominate one of the three political leaders. Among the potential candidates endorsed by the Front are present General Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili, Former Energy Minister Parviz Fattah and Former Health Minister Kamran Bagiri Lankarani.

Head of the main inspection organization Mustafa Purmuhammedi is also among those who have joined the election campaign from the Usulgaralar camp.
Candidates from the Usulgaralar camp's major rival - Iran's reformers' camp are also known. The first deputy of former President Mohammad Khatami, Muhammedrza Arif has declared his candidacy. His campaign headquarters has already started making campaign material. According to him, if Mohammad Khatami nominates himself, he would withdraw his in Khatami's favor.
Former Minister of Trade under Mohammed Khatami, Mohammad Shariatmadari from the Iran's reformers' camp also declared his candidacy and stated his readiness to withdraw his candidacy in favor of Khatami or Rafsanjani, given they decide to participate in the elections.

Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Iran Mostafa Kavakibian also announced his candidacy for the presidential elections.

Isfandiyar Rahim Mashaei is seen by the Iranian media as a potential successor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. According to the ruling Usulgaralar camp, Ahmadinejad might support the candidacy of one of those close to him in order to implement his plans. Along with Mashaei, representative of the Government Gulamhuseyn Ilham, Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and the Minister of Transport and Urban Planning Ali Nikzada are also included in the list of Ahmadinejad's possible successors.

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