Deadline for Vetting Presidential Election Candidates in Iran Extended
Abbasali Kadkhodaei, spokesperson of the Guardian Council, announced a five-day extension for vetting the qualifications of presidential election candidates. He had previously stated that only 40 individuals meet the required criteria.
Abbasali Kadkhodaei, spokesperson of the Guardian Council, announced on Wednesday evening, Ordibehesht 29 (May 19), the extension of the deadline for vetting the qualifications of presidential election candidates, stating: “Considering the expert reports and the diligence of the members, the vetting process continues and we have not yet reached final conclusions. We must say that we need to also use the second five-day period of the deadline.”
A total of 592 individuals have registered as candidates for the 1400 presidential election, of which 40 are women.
The Guardian Council spokesperson had previously stated that among approximately 600 registrants, 40 individuals met the criteria, and the vetting process for these individuals has begun.
Kadkhodaei also announced on Sunday, Ordibehesht 26 (May 16), that the basis for vetting qualifications is the “Constitution” and “general election policies issued by the Supreme Leader,” emphasizing the implementation of a resolution announced before the candidate registration period began.
The resolution states: “Henceforth, candidates for the presidential election must be between 40 and 75 years old, possess at least a master’s degree or equivalent, and have at least four years of experience in managerial positions in the country, with specific examples fully detailed.”
The Guardian Council resolution further states: “Additionally, ministers, governors, mayors of cities with populations exceeding two million, and supreme commanders of the armed forces with the rank of general or higher may run as candidates. Another point is that all candidates must provide a clean background certificate and have no criminal conviction record.”
On the other hand, Ahmad Jannati, secretary of the Guardian Council, stated on Monday, Ordibehesht 27 (May 17), regarding this matter: “We can only speak the law, and the law determines the conditions for presidential election candidates, which are stringent conditions.”
It remains unclear whether the vetting of candidates who have registered for the presidential election will be conducted according to the law valid until the previous term or based on the controversial Guardian Council resolution, which most legal experts consider unconstitutional.
Source: DW
