TEHRAN: Iran on Thursday began the formal registration of presidential candidates ahead of a snap vote next month to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a tragic helicopter crash.
The official IRNA news agency reported that candidate registration for the 14th presidential elections started at 8 am local time at the Interior Ministry. Prospective candidates have a window of five days to submit their applications, IRNA reported.
Originally scheduled for 2025, the presidential elections were expedited due to the unexpected demise of Ebrahim Raisi on May 19, resulting from a tragic helicopter crash in northern Iran. Alongside Raisi, seven members of his entourage, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, lost their lives in the accident.
In accordance with Iran’s constitution, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Mohammad Mokhber, 68, as the caretaker president following Raisi’s demise.
State TV reported that approximately 30 persons came forward to register as candidates on the opening day of registration. However, none of them met the basic qualifications required for candidacy.
Among those seen submitting their applications were former reformist lawmaker Mostafa Kavakebian and incumbent conservative parliamentarian Mohammadreza Sabaghian.
According to Iran’s electoral law, candidates must be between the ages of 40 and 75 and possess at least a master’s degree.
The final list of candidates is set to be announced on June 11 by the Guardian Council, a 12-member body responsible for vetting candidates.
