The possible candidates for the Iranian Presidency
After the tragic death of the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, all eyes are on the prominent figures who may succeed him, at a time when the biggest challenge is choosing a president who enjoys consensus among conservative currents and may be suitable to succeed the Supreme Leader in the future.
The country’s election authority, in coordination with the Guardian Council, announced the timetable for the elections, where the candidate registration period will be from May 30 to June 3.
Electronic voting is also being prepared in several districts, including Tehran and some other major cities.
The fourteenth government will begin its work in July 2024 and continue until 2028.
The Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed, last Monday, Mohammad Mokheb as acting president of the country in accordance with the Iranian constitution.
In this report, we highlight 9 prominent figures in Iran, whose backgrounds vary between religious seminaries and military and political experience.
Muhammad Baqir Qalibaf
He is the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.
He was a commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Tehran police chief, with a long history of military and political positions.
Many sources in Iran described him as the most prepared candidate.
Qalibaf is facing criticism for high-profile corruption cases, making his chances of winning broad support from neoconservatives difficult.
Mohamed Mokhbir
He was the Vice President to Ebrahim Raisi, who assumes the duties of president in accordance with Article 131 of the Constitution until the election of a new president.
He headed the Committee for the Implementation of Imam Khomeini’s Order and was the CEO and Deputy CEO of Khuzestan Telecommunications Company.
The European Union designated him in 2010 and the US Department of the Treasury in January 2021 on the sanctions list.
He has the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities during the constitutional period as interim president.
Saeed Jalili
A conservative Iranian politician who was secretary of the Supreme National Security Council from 2007 to 2013.
He is known for his hardline tendencies and served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator.
Despite his popularity among conservative circles, Jalili faces opposition from some political circles because of his tough stances.
Mohsen Rezaei
He was a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards and held several political positions, including economic assistant to the president.
He has been blamed for Iran’s economic failure, making it difficult to remarket him as a serious presidential candidate, but he may play a role as a figurehead contender to demonstrate multi-election.
Ridha Zakani
He serves as mayor of Tehran and played an important role in suppressing the protests.
He is known for his tough leadership and ability to deal with security crises, but he lacks experience in state management and foreign policy, making him a less attractive option for some political circles.
Ali Larijani
Ali Larijani is a prominent figure in Iranian politics, having served as speaker of Iran’s parliament from 2008 to 2020.
He has a rich background in government and political positions, including National Security Advisor and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
He played an important role in shaping domestic and foreign policies and nuclear negotiations.
However, losing in the previous election may weaken his chances of running for president again, although he could continue in appointments.
Pervez Fattah
Pervez Fattah is the president of the Foundation for the Vulnerable and is known for his conservative and militant tendencies.
He has strong experience in government management and philanthropic institutions.
Fattah faces challenges in garnering broad support because of his hardline tendencies, but he enjoys strong support among conservatives.
Mehrdad Bazrpash
Mehrdad Bazrpash is the Minister of Roads and Urban Reconstruction and is considered one of the most promising young figures in Iranian politics.
He has a background in infrastructure development and enjoys the support of some political circles, which gives him good opportunities to have a prominent role in Iran’s political future.
Ali Shamkhani
Ali Shamkhani is the secretary-general of the Supreme National Security Council and is a prominent figure who may be a candidate for the presidency.
He has extensive experience in security and political affairs, which gives him strong opportunities to run.
Mojtaba Khamenei
Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and there have been reports that he may hold senior positions in the Iranian regime, although his candidacy hasn’t been confirmed.
If he decides to run, he could have a significant impact given his strong ties within the system.
The official Tasnim news agency reported that figures such as Parviz Fattah, Mehrdad Bazarbash, and Alireza Zakani may run in the upcoming presidential elections.
These individuals began preparing electoral headquarters and political consultations, but their candidacy wasn’t officially announced.
The presidential election is scheduled for July 8.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is currently the leading candidate, based on various analyses that indicate his chances are high.
Other figures such as Ali Shamkhani, Saeed Jalili, and Mohsen Rezaei come second in terms of opportunities.
Analysis suggests that figures like Mojtaba Khamenei may remain probable but have fewer chances.
Figures like Ahmadinejad who have criticized the regime may have limited opportunities.
The upcoming elections face challenges that require a candidate capable of calming the Iranian street and reducing the size of the opposition to ensure the stability of the situation.
