Presidential Elections in Iran: Will Rouhani Be Able to Overcome Populism?
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.
Other materials on this subject
- Iran denies reports on joint construction of UAV plant with Russia "Arms exporters and instigators of wars seek to justify their unilateral actions and blunders in plotting war by falsifying news," he responded to Mehr's request for comment on the newspaper's report....
- Azerbaijani MFA issues anti-Iranian statement The Ministry noted that about 100 countries and secretariats of several international organizations condemned the armed attack on the Azerbaijani diplomatic mission in Iran, stressing the need to punish...
- Iran condemns sanctions imposed by EU, Britain and threatens retaliation The European Union imposed sanctions on more than 30 Iranian officials and organisations, including units of the powerful Revolutionary Guards, blaming them for a "brutal" crackdown on unrest and other...
- Zohouri: Armenia's security is Iran's security "I hope that this cooperation as two ancient and centuries-old countries will further develop. Work is being carried out in different directions, related to the road, economic cooperation, etc., which...
- Russia, Iran are negotiating creation of common steblecoin on gold The Iranian government intends to secure this token with gold, that is, it will be a kind of steblecoin. The token is expected to work in a special economic zone in Astrakhan, which will receive cargo...
-
17:08
The regular session of the Anti-corruption Policy Council takes place in Jermuk
-
15:05
The Prime Minister sends congratulatory messages to the supreme leader of Iran and the President of Iran
-
11:11
Armenia sends earthquake aid to Turkey
-
10:43
Commemoration of the Pontiff St. Sahak Partev
-
09:16
Some roads are closed and difficult to pass in Armenia
-
19:55
Phone conversation of the Foreign Minister of Armenia with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
-
18:30
Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Khachaturyan meet
-
18:20
Ararat Mirzoyan with Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group of France Brice Roquefeuil
-
17:01
Humans could land on Mars within 10 years, Musk predicts
-
16:45
France, US urge 'immediate' end to Nagorno Karabakh blockade
-
16:01
Blockaded Nagorno Karabakh launches fundraiser to support quake-hit Syria
-
15:59
Earthquake death toll in Turkey rises to 18,342
-
15:43
Ararat Mirzoyan Held a Telephone Conversation with Sergey Lavrov
-
15:06
French president rules out fighter jet supplies to Ukraine in near future
-
14:47
5 Day Weather Forecast in Armenia
-
14:44
President Vahagn Khachaturyan wrote a note in the book of condolences opened in the Embassy of Syria in Armenia
-
14:20
Azerbaijan’s provocations impede establishment of peace and stability – Armenian FM tells Russian Co-Chair of OSCE MG
-
12:57
France representation to OSCE: Paris calls on Azerbaijan to restore freedom of movement through Lachin corridor
-
11:40
Command of Kosovo forces highly appreciated preparation of Armenian peacekeepers
-
10:16
The United States withdrew from sanctions against Syria for six months the provision of assistance after the earthquake
day
week
month
Humidity: 27%
Wind: 1.03 km/h