Iran’s Rouhani registers to compete in presidency polls

By Abdul-Jabbar Abu Ras

TEHRAN

President Hassan Rouhani on Friday officially registered his candidacy for Iran’s upcoming presidential election on May 19, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported.

Frequently described as a moderate, Rouhani has served as president of the republic since winning 2013 polls.

On Wednesday, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- considered a conservative -- likewise submitted a formal request to compete in next month’s election.

According to Iran’s official electoral commission, more than 860 people have registered their candidacies since the registration process began on Tuesday.

While the president holds executive authority under Iran’s constitution, considerable power remains in the hands of Iran’s supreme leader, who is considered the country’s highest political and religious authority.

Iran’s 2017 presidential polls will coincide with municipal and local council elections, as well as partial elections for Iran’s Shura Council (parliament) in some cities.