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.
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