Iranian presidential candidates hold first live televised debates

By Azernews

By Kamila Aliyeva

The first debate among the six candidates of the May 19 presidential election of Iran was held on April 28.

For three hours, presidential hopefuls including Iran's incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, acting first Vice President of Iran Es'haq Jahangiri, Mayor of Tehran Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, keeper of the mausoleum of Imam Ebrahim Raeesi, former Minister of Culture Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim and former Minister of Industry Mostafa Hashemi-Taba took turns in answering the questions of the host and other rivals in presidential race.

The topic of the discussion was social policy. The candidates clarified their position on a variety of topics - from housing construction and reduction of social inequality to subsidies to low-income groups and support for young families.

The second round of televised debates will take place on May 5 and devoted to the economic problems of the country. Apparently, the final round which is scheduled for May 9 will become the most interesting for the audience. Its theme will be foreign policy.

The two main rivals in the race are widely expected to be President Hassan Rouhani, and Ebrahim Raeesi.

The voting date for the 12th presidential and 5th city and council elections is May 19. 

To win, the candidate must score more than 50 percent of the vote. If none of the applicants succeeds in enlisting the support of such a number of voters, a second round of voting will be held, in which two leaders of the first round will participate.