Following Raisi’s passing, Iran registers presidential candidates for an early election

Following President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash, Iran began the registration of candidates for an early election next month on Thursday, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said on state TV.

Raisi’s unexpected passing has sparked a scramble among hardliners to influence the choice of Iran’s next leader. Raisi was formerly thought to be a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s aging ultimate decision-maker.

The Guardian Council, which is in charge of elections and legislation, will interview the presidential contenders following the five-day registration period.
“The vetting process will be seven days and then qualified candidates will have almost two weeks for the election campaign,” Vahidi stated on national television. On June 11, the Guardian Council will make the list of eligible applicants public.

The 12-member hardline Guardian Council has been accused by moderate lawmakers of disqualifying opponents of the hardline contenders who are anticipated to dominate the next presidential contest.

Limited options on the ballot and growing unhappiness over a number of political, social, and economic issues could lower turnout.

Khamenei is the ultimate decision-maker on all aspects of state, including foreign and nuclear policy, under Iran’s intricate system of elected politicians and clerical rulers. However, the elected president will be responsible for addressing the escalating economic crisis.

According to insiders, Parviz Fattah, a former member of the Guards who oversees an investment fund connected to the leader, and Saeed Jalili, a former chief nuclear negotiator who managed Khamenei’s office for four years in 2001, may be among the candidates registering.

Iranian media has also speculated that Ali Larijani, a former speaker of parliament and adviser to Khamenei, and interim president Mohammad Mokhber could be the next president. Larijani was not permitted to run for president in 2021.

A number of subdued moderate lawmakers are probably going to run.