Iran’s upcoming presidential election has taken a controversial turn with the approval of six candidates by the powerful Guardian Council. The election was triggered by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, leading to an early vote scheduled for 28 June.
The candidates approved by the Guardian Council include prominent figures such as Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, known for his history with the IRGC, Saeed Jalili, a veteran soldier involved in nuclear talks, and Alireza Zakani, a fundamentalist politician and Tehran mayor.
Other approved candidates include Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a cleric with a dark past suppressing dissidents, Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a Basij member turned politician, and Masoud Pezeshkian, a doctor and former health minister under a reformist president.
This lineup of candidates showcases the diverse backgrounds and political leanings in Iranian politics, highlighting the influence of the military theocracy and the importance of loyalty to the Supreme Leader in the selection process.
The election will be closely watched as Iran navigates internal power struggles and international relations amid ongoing challenges and controversies.