Iran will hold its next presidential election on June 12, 2009, the Fars news agency reported on Sunday.
The Guardian Council, the Islamic Republic''s constitutional watchdog, which reports directly to Iran''s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has approved the date earlier proposed by the interior ministry.
It will be the 10th presidential election in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
According to local observers, the main intrigue of the upcoming election campaign will be whether the incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known for his uncompromising approach on Iran''s nuclear issue, would be re-elected for a second four-year term.
Ahmadinejad, 51, who has been criticized by the opposition in the country for his failure to curb high inflation, estimated at about 27% annually, has not yet announced his candidacy for the 2009 election.
Among his potential rivals are former parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi, who is the leader of the reformist National Confidence Party, and Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the 46-year-old mayor of Tehran, who enjoys the support of moderate conservatives.
Ahmadinejad''s pro-reform opponents have called for more diplomacy in relations with the West over Iran''s controversial uranium enrichment program.
Western countries suspect Iran of pursuing a secret nuclear weapons program, but the country says it needs nuclear power solely for civilian purposes.
Tajik government and WFP present the state program on school feeding development in Tajikistan
U.S. to boost military presence in Europe for Russia threat
Capitals of three Central Asia’s nations listed among the least expensive places to travel
The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) funded by the United Nations Environment Programme / Global Environment Facilty
Uzbek city of Khiva chosen as OIC city of tourism for 2024
Tajikistan, Iran vow to boost economic cooperation
Ministerial semiannual news conferences expected to start on July 11
Caspian Sea littoral states’ leaders agree to use the resources of the region for peaceful purposes
Syria to recognize the independence of the LNR and DNR
Industry Minister and GBAO governor inspect industrial facilities operating in the region
All news
Авторизуйтесь, пожалуйста