Ahmadinejad Returns, Disqualified Larijani Enters Election

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Iran’s ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other notable figures, like moderate Ali Larijani and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, have entered the election race. After the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.

Ahmadinejad, president from 2005 to 2013, signed up at the Interior Ministry on Sunday. Just one day before the registration period closed.

Ahmadinejad Responds to Call for Re-Election

The politician, who had been mostly out of the spotlight after his controversial time in office, said he’s responding to “a call from people all over the country” to run again. He believes he can solve Iran’s problems both at home and abroad.

When asked about being disqualified by the Guardian Council, he smiled and said, “Don’t ask political questions.”

Even though Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told him to stay away in 2017, he signed up and was barred from running. He didn’t register for the 2021 election.

During Ahmadinejad’s time as president, Iran faced big economic problems like high inflation and the dropping value of money. There were also big arguments over Iran’s nuclear plans, leading to other countries putting sanctions on Iran.

When he got re-elected in 2009, many people protested, saying the votes were changed. But the government said that wasn’t true and cracked down on the protests.

More Contenders Enter the Race

Numerous individuals have thrown their hats into the ring for the presidential race. They include senior security official and former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, former three-time parliament speaker Ali Larijani, Tehran’s Mayor Alireza Zakani, and former central bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati.

Saeed Jalili, currently serving as the Iranian supreme leader’s representative to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). Previously he held the position of security chief from 2007 to 2013, a crucial period amidst heightened tensions regarding nuclear matters. Despite three unsuccessful attempts at the presidency. He remains undeterred in his pursuit.

Ali Larijani, a conservative figure hailing from a politically influential family, stands out as a potentially moderate candidate capable of securing a notable portion of the electorate’s support. However, his eligibility depends on the Guardian Council’s approval, given his disqualification in the previous election cycle.