Former president not running for presidency

Iran's former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani will not join the presidential race to succeed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a close aide says, Press TV reported.

"Mr. Hashemi (Rafsanjani) will definitely not be a candidate in the upcoming election," Hassan Rohani, himself a presidential hopeful, said on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Rafsanjani, who is currently the chairman of the Expediency Council, said he would take measures to reform the Islamic Republic's domestic and foreign policies if elected.

Rafsanjani served as Iran's president from 1989 to 1997. In 2005, he ran for a third term in office, but ultimately lost the race to his rival, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Rohani, who is president of the Expediency Council's Center for Strategic Research (CSR), also dismissed the speculation that he might quit the race in favor of Rafsanjani.

Rohani has pledged to boost domestic production and form a cabinet with young members should he win the election.

A number of political figures have expressed interest in competing in the Islamic Republic's upcoming presidential election.

Hopefuls can register from May 7 to 11 for the country's 11th presidential poll, which will be held on June 14.

The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election, and the Guardian Council vets the candidates for their qualifications.


/Trend/