Economic issues dominate Iranian presidential election

TEHRAN

Economic hardships and living conditions have emerged as central themes among the 80 candidates who have registered for the Iranian presidential election slated for June 28.

Iran launched its presidential election process in the wake of President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash on May 19.

Registration for the 14th presidential election began on May 30 and concluded after five days. The candidates comprise 46 conservatives, 16 independents, 13 reformists, three moderate conservatives, and two from the former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad-affiliated Spring Movement.

The majority of candidates are current or former members of parliament. Notable figures include former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, former National Security Council Secretary Saeed Jalili, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and former Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri. Four female politicians also registered for the presidential race.

Acting Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, Roads and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash, Labor and Social Welfare Minister Sowlat Mortazavi, Vice President Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, Budget and Planning Organization Chief Davood Manzoor, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are also in the run.

While 80 people have registered, their candidacy is not yet certain. The Guardian Council will decide within seven days whether they are qualified to participate in the elections. This body has historically vetoed many prominent figures, including Larijani, Ahmadinejad, and Jahangiri. The council’s decision is expected to significantly shape the election dynamics.

Key candidates

Ali Larijani, a 66-year-old moderate conservative, served as parliament speaker from 2008 to 2020. Larijani was vetoed in the 2021 elections without explanation. Speculation abounds that he has secured Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s endorsement this time. "We will never get anywhere with a cumbersome government that interferes in people's every business," Larijani said, adding that resolving the sanctions issue will also be among the priorities of diplomacy for Iran.

Saeed Jalili, a 58-year-old conservative, was Supreme National Security Council secretary and chief nuclear negotiator under President Ahmadinejad. Jalili’s hardline stance has both bolstered and limited his appeal. He withdrew from the 2021 race in favor of Raisi. He is currently Khamenei's representative on the Supreme National Security Council and pledged to continue Raisi’s policies. He said: "Iran is now recognized as an equal to the great powers. It is time for all Iranian people, one by one, to play a role in the country's development."

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, 67, served as president from 2005 to 2013, pursued supportive policies especially for the low-income and poor segments of the country during his term in office, and maintained a hardline foreign policy. Despite his substantial public support, Ahmadinejad has been repeatedly vetoed by the Guardian Council. He stated that if he becomes president, the main goal of his government will be to eliminate the problem of poverty in the country.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, 62, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ Air Force, has served as Tehran’s mayor and is currently the parliamentary speaker. Ghalibaf has faced criticism and scandals, including revelations about his son’s residency in Canada. He said: "I came to prevent a period of stagnation and mismanagement in the country like the previous years, with the help of our people."

Eshaq Jahangiri, 66, was the first vice president under Hassan Rouhani from 2013 to 2021. A reformist ally, Jahangiri has been vocal about the country's economic struggles, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to address inflation, poverty, and corruption. Jahangiri told the press after the application: “The situation of the country today is not good. Despite all the various successes we have achieved, we have not achieved development and growth."

Reformist strategy

Reformists have adopted a cautious approach, awaiting the Guardian Council’s decisions. Reports suggest they may back Larijani or Jahangiri if their candidacies are approved.

Political analyst Hamid Roushancheh noted that public participation is crucial for the regime, suggesting that the council might approve one or two previously vetoed candidates to ensure a competitive election.

The upcoming election is poised to be highly competitive, with economic issues at the forefront. The council's vetting process will be decisive in shaping the final candidate list, and ultimately, the future direction of Iran's leadership.