Iranian presidential hopeful Ali-Akbar Velayati has registered to run in Iran’s upcoming presidential election, vowing to safeguard the country’s achievements particularly its peaceful nuclear program.
After signing up to participate in the 11th presidential election on Saturday, Velayati said, “Safeguarding the achievements of the Iranian nation in all fields, particularly peaceful nuclear energy, is our objective and duty.”
The former Iranian Foreign Minister said this objective must be achieved with the lowest cost possible and minimizing these costs requires active, dynamic and wise diplomacy.
Velayati belongs to the Principlist Coalition of Three which also includes Tehran Mayor Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf and lawmaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel.
The coalition will pick one of its members with the highest approval rating as its nominee.
The advisor to leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei had earlier pledged to expand bilateral and international relations with other countries, noting that he would not let Iran be driven into isolation.
Registration of hopefuls for Iran’s 11th presidential election officially began on Tuesday. Hopefuls had until May 11 to sign up for the presidential vote.
The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election, and the Guardian Council vets the candidates for qualifications.
The Iranian Constitution stipulates that presidential candidates must be religious or political figures, be Iranian in origin, have Iranian citizenship, have resourcefulness and managerial skills, have no criminal record, be trustworthy and pious, and have firm belief in the fundamental principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the country’s official religion.
