ALWAGHT- Six candidates for the Iranian presidency have participated in three rounds of nationally televised debates, addressing economic and cultural issues, defending their plans, and criticizing their opponents' proposals.
Known as the most-watched programs in the history of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the three previous debates focused on economic issues, fair administrative services, and cultural affairs.
The candidates will make last-ditch efforts in the two remaining debates on June 24 and 25 to attract voters.
Each candidate is given equal speaking time to present their plans for addressing the country's major economic, political, and cultural problems after taking office.
The six candidates were selected by the Constitutional Council from 80 applicants seeking the presidency. They are Saeed Jalili, Alireza Zakani, Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Masoud Pezeshkian.
In remarks on June 22, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei advised presidential candidates to avoid making statements during their televised campaigns that would please adversaries.
“The assumption is that all candidates love Iran and the Islamic Republic, because they aspire to become president within this system and serve the people,” the Leader stated.
The election campaign period began on June 9 and will run until June 26, with the nationwide presidential election scheduled for Friday, June 28.
The new administration, the 14th since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, will assume power in late June or early July and will serve for four years.
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage crashed in the northwestern mountainous forests on May 19, resulting in the deaths of the president, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six others.
According to the Constitution, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has assumed the role of acting president at the discretion of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei until the election of a new president.
