2021 Elections – Raisi Holds Campaign Rally amid Coronavirus Surge; Rouhani Says Violating Candidates Will Face Action
Following concerns expressed by the Health and Treatment Committee regarding the “normalization” of the situation despite the coronavirus outbreak by some 2021 election candidates, Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, ordered that violating candidates be dealt with “seriously and decisively with complete determination” and that the public be informed of these actions.
Media outlets and social networks on Wednesday, June 9, published images from Ibrahim Raisi’s campaign rally in Ahvaz showing that the event was held with a large crowd, without social distancing, and without observing health protocols, though it claimed to have “obtained permission.”
High-risk campaign gatherings by some presidential candidates are being held while, according to reports, the number of COVID-19 cases in Iran has surpassed three million. In the past 24 hours alone, 153 people have died from coronavirus in Iran. With the vaccination process halted, it is unclear when Iran will achieve herd immunity against the COVID-19 virus.
- Third Debate to Be Held “Without a Topic”
While the topics addressed in previous debates among Iran’s presidential election candidates were economic issues in the first debate and cultural, social, and political matters in the second debate, following widespread criticism even from the candidates themselves regarding the quality of questions, the state broadcasting organization announced that the third debate will be held “without a topic.”
According to Iranian media reports, the public relations department of Iran’s state broadcasting organization announced that the third debate will be held on Saturday, June 12, and will address “the concerns of the people.”
Source: Voice of America
