As the Iranian presidential elections approach, the electoral committee has reiterated the conditions for candidacy and reminded candidates of essential rules and requirements to prevent legal violations. Among these conditions, the committee emphasized the prohibition for presidential election candidates from publishing their joint images with Khomeini and Leader Ali Khamenei.
In a statement issued yesterday, Thursday, the committee stated that using photographs with Khomeini and Khamenei is forbidden, and election programs or promises must not deviate from the constitutional framework.
Regarding the prohibition of candidate images with the leader, Masoud Al-Fak, an expert on Iran and Central Asia for "Al Arabiya," explained that this ban prevents candidates from politically associating themselves with the leader. He stated that the restriction on publishing photos with the leader is not a new issue; it has been a part of electoral conditions for a long time to avoid candidates being seen as aligned politically with the leader or supported by him.
The committee also confirmed a ban on expressing content that contradicts the announced policies of the leadership, and candidates must submit their documentary films for radio and television for review 48 hours before broadcasting on official channels.
It is noteworthy that early presidential elections in Iran are scheduled for June 28, following the death of President Ibrahim Raisi on May 19 due to a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdollahian and his companions also perished in a helicopter crash while returning from Khodafarin to Tabriz in East Azerbaijan Province amid adverse weather conditions.
**80 Candidates**
According to the announced figures, 80 individuals have applied to run for the presidency of Iran following Ibrahim Raisi. It is expected that not all candidates will have their applications accepted, and the Guardian Council will announce a reduced list of candidates. All candidates wishing to participate in the elections must first obtain approval from the Guardian Council, which consists of 12 members.
