Tehran, Iran, May 15
By Mehdi Sepahvand –- Trend:
Iran’s conservative candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has stepped down and will support other like-minded candidate Ebrahim Raisi in the presidential race.
Accordingly, Qalibaf will accompany Raisi on a provincial trip May 16 to announce their coalition, Tasnim news agency reported May 15.
In an announcement voicing his support for Raisi, Qalibaf said his aim is to "change the status quo", remove the economy from the grip of the wealthy, and put an end to "corruption and mismanagement."
Unofficial reports say that Raisi is set to introduce Qalibaf as his to-be first vice president.
The coalition attempt to beat Hassan Rouhani, the incumbent president who is running for his second term.
Rouhani found a huge boost of favor with Iranians after he aced rounds of live-aired TV debates.
The presidential election in Iran is scheduled for May 19.