ALBAWABA - Iran has started the process of holding its June 28 presidential election, which was prompted by the unfortunate death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi reportedly gave an order to start the election process, according to Iranian official media.
In addition to expressing sympathy for "Ayatollah Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and his esteemed colleagues," the decree justified the beginning of the election process for the 14th presidential term by citing pertinent electoral and constitutional rules.
Within three days, municipal and regional governors have been instructed to establish polling places and create administration committees.
After the passing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on May 19, Mohammad Mokhber, the First Vice President, was named interim president. The Iranian constitution stipulates that a new president must be chosen within 50 days after the previous one's death. A committee made up of the Chief Justice, the First Vice President, and the Speaker of the Parliament makes the required arrangements.
The chiefs of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches resolved to conduct the presidential election on June 28 at an extraordinary meeting on May 20.
Starting on May 30, candidates who want to run for office have five days to submit their applications to the Interior Ministry.
Iran's presidential candidates are chosen by the electorate from a list by the Guardian Council. Thus far, reformist former health minister Masoud Pezeshkian and conservative former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili have declared their candidacies.
