Most candidates are vying to continue the late Ebrahim Raisi’s legacy, but a lone reformer also has a chance to win
Iran is gearing up for a crucial early election following the passing of President Ibrahim Raisi. The candidate registration period ran from May 30 to June 3, producing six contenders. The pre-election campaign is taking place from June 12 to the morning of June 27, culminating in the election of a new head of state on June 28.
Despite the tightly regulated legal procedures, the atmosphere in the country remains tense, as evidenced by the number of candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring. Over 1000 individuals registered for the ninth election, 686 for the 11th, and a staggering 1636 for the 12th. In the current election, 80 Iranians have declared their candidacies.
A similar scenario unfolded during the third election, which followed the assassination of the country’s second president, Mohammad-Ali Rajai, in a bombing during a meeting with the prime minister and the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council on August 30, 1981. Such incidents always create stress in the country’s political landscape. Nonetheless, based on the line-up of final candidates, Iran is expected to navigate this crisis with minimal to no losses.
Who are the candidates?
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf holds a PhD in political science and boasts a wealth of political experience. He actively participated in the Iran-Iraq war, commanding both the Imam Reza Brigade and later the Fifth Nasr Horasan Regiment. Following the war’s conclusion in 1988, Ghalibaf continued his military career. During the 1990s, he led the IRGC Air Force and later served as the head of the police force. This era marked a significant period of advancement for law enforcement, with modern transportation and enhanced capabilities. From 2005, Ghalibaf served as mayor of Tehran for an impressive 12 years. His election as the president of the Majlis, Iran’s unicameral parliament, on May 28, 2020, further underscores his political trajectory.
Ghalibaf has been a recurring candidate in presidential elections, notably withdrawing his candidacy in 2017 in favor of Ibrahim Raisi, whose policies he pledges to uphold. Of particular interest is Ghalibaf’s commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring countries, a cornerstone of the former president’s agenda. His pre-election mantra is “Service and Progress.”
Saeed Jalili, also aligned with conservative principles like Ghalibaf, played a role in the eight-year conflict with Iraq and supported Raisi in both the 2017 and 2021 elections. With a PhD in political science, Jalili is a member of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations. Notably, he served as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council from 2007 to 2013 and led Iran’s nuclear program negotiation team with Western nations. Since 2013, he has been a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council. Jalili’s campaign slogan emphasizes “A World of Opportunities, Iran’s Leap; Every Iranian Plays a Significant Role.”