Iranian presidential candidates outline diverse programs, priorities
The June 28 election will have 6 approved candidates running.
The Iranian presidential candidates are actively campaigning, with the six candidates approved by the Guardian Council making various statements to outline their program priorities. Each candidate has highlighted specific areas of focus:
The #Iranian Ministry of Interior has announced the names of qualified candidates for the upcoming presidential elections.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 9, 2024
The elections are set to take place on June 28.
Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei called for the election after Iranian President #EbrahimRaisi passed… pic.twitter.com/4IZnLUheVw
Qalibaf vows to confront sanctions
Candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, currently serving as the Speaker of Parliament, has announced that a key priority of his campaign is to confront and mitigate the impact of sanctions against Iran. He emphasized the strategic importance of Tehran as a "golden key", pointing to Iran's strong and valuable relationships with major global players such as Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian countries. Qalibaf's approach involves leveraging these international friendships to bolster Iran's economic and political resilience against sanctions.
Speaking in a roundtable talk on state TV, he said, "If the IMEC corridor is implemented, it means bypassing Iran."
Qalibaf stressed the importance of the Endurance Front uniting behind a single candidate before the elections to present a cohesive strategy. Additionally, he advocated for the training of diplomatic cadres to enhance Iran's international negotiations and diplomatic efforts.
Additionally, he noted his close relationship with the late Quds Force commander, Martyr Qassem Soleimani, during his responsibilities on the Resistance front, stressing their cooperation and shared efforts.
Saeed Jalili: Identifying economic priorities
Candidate Saeed Jalili has outlined a comprehensive set of economic priorities within his electoral program, aiming to achieve financial discipline by ensuring a balance between public revenues and expenditures.
Jalili also emphasized the importance of protecting the national currency and maintaining its value. His economic strategy includes increasing foreign exchange income, enhancing banking and economic transparency, and implementing measures to monitor and regulate the banking system.
Jalili is committed to employing educated professionals across various sectors to bolster Tehran's economy and leveraging artificial intelligence over the next four years to prevent the country's economic decline.
Additionally, he has detailed programs to increase foreign exchange income and enhance banking and economic transparency, which he views as an essential part of supporting the country's economy, along with plans to dismantle banks and monitor the banking system.
Jalili also confirmed that he would focus on employing elites in various sectors to improve Tehran's economy and leverage artificial intelligence over the next four years to prevent the country's decline.
Alireza Zakani: Focusing on women's issues
Candidate Alireza Zakani has made women's issues a focal point of his campaign. He insisted that there are no hijab enforcers in Iran and refuted any such accusations.
Zakani highlighted his efforts during his tenure in Tehran's municipality, where he actively promoted women's roles. He pointed out that 10% of the country's officials are women, underscoring his commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
Zakani's campaign also emphasized the importance of enhancing women's participation in governance and ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued in Iranian society.
Masoud Pezeshkian: A new vision, not Rouhani's third term
Candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has made it clear that his administration will not be a continuation of former President Hassan Rouhani's policies. Distancing himself from Rouhani's two consecutive terms, Pezeshkian emphasizes his vision and approach to Iran's future.
He outlined distinct priorities and strategies to address the nation's challenges, promising a fresh and independent perspective. Pezeshkian's campaign is focused on offering new solutions and demonstrating his commitment to a different governance style, aiming to address the concerns and needs of the Iranian people more effectively.
He revealed, during the Iranian television programs "Without Courtesy" and "Special Dialogue", that his possessions include a farm in the city of Urmia and a house in Tabriz and another in Tehran.
He said, "My children have preserved my dignity," adding that his nephews are unemployed today and that "no one in my family is involved in economic corruption."
On important issues in the country, Pezeshkian pointed out that employees and workers' wages are insufficient to pay rent and maintained that religion does not stipulate restricting someone because of their attire.
Mostafa Pour Mohammadi: Highlighting a record of service
Candidate Mostafa Pour Mohammadi has emphasized his extensive record of public service in a recent video clip. He detailed the various initiatives and projects he has undertaken to benefit Iran and its citizens. Pour Mohammadi's campaign highlights his experience and achievements, positioning him as a candidate with a proven track record of delivering tangible results for the country.
He mentioned that he oversaw the electronic distribution of gasoline allocations, adding that he has "a record of services," having made progress while holding several positions in previous governments.
Amirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi: Reflecting on his relationship with Imam Khomeini
Amirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, a presidential candidate in Iran, has shared insights into his formative years and his early relationship with the leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyed Ruhollah Khomeini.
Qazizadeh Hashemi recalled his role in distributing Sayyed Khomeini's statements during his youth, highlighting his deep-rooted commitment to the revolutionary ideals that shaped his political journey.
It is noted that the 14th Iranian presidential elections will be held on June 28.
Read more: Iran pres. candidates outline programs as televised campaigns kick off