Al Jazeera English published this video item, entitled “Iran’s Guardian Council disqualifies most presidential hopefuls” – below is their description.
Iran has announced the seven mostly conservative candidates who have been approved to run in next month’s presidential election.
Iran’s Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi who is close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is now seen as the clear frontrunner to replace President Hassan Rouhani.
Several prominent figures were barred from running including former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.
All candidates must be vetted by a panel overseen by Iran’s Supreme leader Ayottolah Ali Khamenei.
Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig reports from Tehran, Iran.
–
Al Jazeera English YouTube Channel
Got a comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, below. Please note comments are moderated before publication.
About This Source - Al Jazeera English
The video item below is a piece of English language content from Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera is a Qatari state-funded broadcaster based in Doha, Qatar, owned by the Al Jazeera Media Network.
Iran, also called Persia, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. Its central location in Eurasia and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz give it significant geostrategic importance. Tehran is the capital and largest city.
Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, beginning with the formation of the Elamite kingdoms in the fourth millennium BC. The Iranian Revolution established the current Islamic Republic in 1979.
Iran’s political system combines elements of a presidential democracy and an Islamic theocracy. Iran is a founding member of the UN, ECO, OIC, and OPEC. It is a major regional and middle power and has large reserves of fossil fuels — including the world’s largest natural gas supply and the third largest proven oil reserves.
The country’s rich cultural legacy is reflected in part by its 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Historically a multi-ethnic country, Iran remains a pluralistic society comprising numerous ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, the largest being Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Mazandaranis and Lurs.