Ex-president Ahmadinejad barred from running in Iranian electionApril 21, 2017 - 13:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been barred from standing in next month's election by a government-controlled vetting body, state media report, according to BBC News. Ahmadinejad, a vocal critic of the West, served two terms as president between 2005 and 2013. President Hassan Rouhani and leading hardliner Ebrahim Raisi have both been approved by the Guardian Council. A final list of candidates for the 19 May poll will be announced on 27 April. More than 1,600 candidates sought to stand, but only about six are selected by the Guardian Council, the clerical body which vets candidates. The nominations of Rouhani and Raisi will lead to a showdown between bitterly divided political camps. Rouhani was elected by a landslide in 2013, on a platform of ending the country's diplomatic isolation and creating a freer society. Two years later his government and six other countries reached a landmark deal, in which Iran agreed to curb its sensitive nuclear activities in return for the lifting of economic sanctions. Raisi is a seyed, meaning he traces his genealogy back to the Prophet Muhammad. He has a reputation for his uncompromising stance on key issues and is rumoured to be supported by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ahmadinejad caused widespread shock when he registered as a candidate last week in defiance of Khamenei's advice. Last year the Supreme Leader warned Ahmadinejad that such a move was "not in his interest and that of the country". Khamenei appoints about half of the Guardian Council. Ahmadinejad's close ally Hamid Baghaie was also barred from standing in the election. Rouhani and Raisi are expected to focus their campaigns on the state of the economy as well as the nuclear deal, which has been hailed by the president as his most significant success over the four years he has been in office. Other candidates given the go-ahead to compete in the vote are conservative Mostafa Mirsalim, Tehran mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reformist Mostafa Hashemitaba and Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |