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Presidential Elections in Iran: Will Rouhani Be Able to Overcome Populism?

Reuters

Iran is preparing for presidential elections, which will take place on May 19. Though Iran is a theocratic country and the supreme power is in the hands of the Supreme Leader, it should be noted that the Presidential elections do not have a symbolic role at all and a real tense competition is going on among the presidential elections.

Before the start of the election campaign analysts predicted that the current President Hassan Rouhani would be able to be reelected in his post without any obstacles. However, the campaign showed that it is not the case.

Thus the main rivals of Houhani are Conservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi, Mostafa Mirsalim, who is an ultra-conservative figure supported by some of the most traditional conservatives, Mostafa Hashemitaba, minister of industries and mining. The other two candidates - Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Eshaq Jahangiri withdrew their candidacy.

It should be mentioned that the candidates mainly put their emphasis on economic problems, which Rouhani was not able to solve during his presidency. In this regard it should be noted that Rouhani has inherited an internationally isolated country with bad economic conditions. The nuclear deal signed during his presidency, which gave an opportunity to raise the international sanctions, had a great positive impact on the economy of the country, but this will be more visible in the long-term perspective.  

Raisi, who heads one of Iran's most important and wealthy religious foundations - Astan Quds Razavi, besides the dissatisfaction from Rouhani, Raisi has also other privilege – he is the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, which is a serious advantage in the Islamic Republic. He also enjoys the support of Iran's Supreme Leader. Iranian media calls Raisi as the most likely successor of the Supreme Leader Khamenei.

Another presidential candidate, Mostafa Mirsalim is especially known for his tough stance against reforms and Western cultural influence.

Mostafa Hashemitaba, is another lesser known figure. He tried his chance for presidency in 2001 but finished 10th out of 10 candidates.

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