Iran’s presidential hopefuls hold last debate ahead of snap elections

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on 25 June that a high voter turnout would ‘bring honor’ to Iran

News Desk - The Cradle

Presidential candidates in the Islamic Republic of Iran held a debate on 25 June, two days ahead of a snap election that will determine a successor to Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a sudden helicopter crash last month. 

The candidates who have been chosen by Iran’s Constitutional Council from 80 applicants seeking the Iranian presidency are Saeed Jalili, Alireza Zakani, Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Masoud Pezeshkian. 

Each taking an equal amount of time, the candidates presented their visions for Iran and solutions for its economic, political, and cultural issues. 

The leading theme of the debate was Iran’s economic situation. 

Jalili called during the debate for strengthening the countryside economically, explaining that 26 percent of Iranians “are farmers and rural residents, but they do not receive a large share of the budget.”

Any Iranian can improve the country’s economy, he said, “provided that we look comprehensively at all of the country’s capabilities and that everyone participates in its growth and development.”

Qalibaf, on the other hand, vowed during his allotted time to continue on the path of Raisi’s economic roadmap. He said he would complete the former president’s projects, which focused on developing ties with regional countries, forming alliances, and safeguarding Iran’s interests.

Pezeshkian discussed internal and external issues that Iran faces, including gaps between the government and the people and harsh western sanctions, which have been imposed on the country for decades. 

“I came today to rid the people of the sanctions by mixing diplomacy with force and negotiations in the arena,” he said. He also vowed to advocate for farmers and women, remove obstacles in the way of modernization, and limit immigration. 

Pezeshkian has been described by some as leaning more towards the vision and policy of former president Hassan Rouhani, who negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal with Washington.

Zakani promised to confront economic corruption and stressed the “rejection of compromise and injustice.” 

Hashemi also vowed to continue on the path of the former presidency, praising Raisi and his foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died with him in the crash on 19 May.

“The danger of the epidemic of the Rouhani government [the former Iranian president] exists, and there is no solution except to build the country on the path of Martyr Raisi,” he said. 

Pour Mohammadi vowed to work for Iran’s interests “in light of the values ​​of the Islamic Revolution and its leader.” 

The vote is scheduled to be held on 28 June. 

“The key to national pride in the elections lies in maximum public participation and the election of the most qualified candidate. The reason for the insistence and emphasis on maximum participation in the elections is that the most important impact of a high turnout is that it brings honor to the Islamic Republic,” Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on 25 June during an event for the Islamic holiday of Ghadeer. 

“The Islamic Republic has enemies. One thing that helps the Islamic Republic overcome its enemies is the elections. If a good turnout is seen in these elections, it will make the Islamic Republic proud,” Khamenei added. 

The Supreme Leader also blasted those who believe “all ways to progress pass through America,” and warned some politicians about “sticking to famous countries and powers.”