Presidential vote timelapse: May 17

Rouhani holds campaign rally in Mashhad

Iran's incumbent president Hassan Rouhani who is seeking re-election has held a campaign rally in the city of Mashhad. He has come down hard on the previous administration blaming various crises on its measures and policies.

Addressing his supporters in the northeastern city, Rouhani said his administration managed to retake control of Iran’s oil market that had been under the control of Saudis. He said while the previous administration failed to tackle the issue of joblessness, some of its officials are now seeking power again. The incumbent president urged his supporters in Mashhad to choose what he called the path toward growth and prosperity on Friday. Earlier on Wednesday, Rouhani held a campaign rally in the city of Ardabil.

Rouhani defended his administration’s measures, including the striking of the nuclear deal with the P5+1 group of countries. Rouhani said his government put a curb on soaring inflation, which he blamed on the policies of the previous administration. The presidential candidate has pledged to continue with plans to turn Ardabil into a free-trade zone. The incumbent president is due to hold rallies in the cities of Mashhad and Bojnurd later today.

Raeisi: Rouhani not serious in fighting smuggling

Just a couple of days before the presidential election in Iran, candidates are making their last-ditch efforts to garner support from different cities. Ebrahim Raeisi has held a rally in his hometown of Mashhad quite close to a rival rally by incumbent president Hassan Rouhani.

Addressing a big crowd of supporters, Raeisi renewed criticism of the economic policies adopted by Rouhani’s government. He spoke out against stagnation, unemployment, and corruption. Raeisi noted that Rouhani is boasting of a strong foreign policy while the Islamic Republic does not have a good market share even in neighboring countries. Raeisi accused Rouhani of being an aristocrat who’s not concerned about the poor and the underprivileged. Before Mashhad, Raeisi held a campaign rally in the city of Semnan where he also leveled harsh criticisms against the current administration.

Raeisi has also questioned the Rouhani administration’s seriousness in fighting the smuggling of goods. The presidential candidate has highlighted the important role of the Iranian youth in resolving the country’s issues. Raeisi has pledged to invest more in Semnan province’s industries and agriculture sector if elected president.

Aqa-Mirsalim says he will not quit race

Iranian presidential candidate Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim has reacted angrily to Es’haq Jahangir's withdrawal from the race. Jahangiri is the country’s first vice-president.

Aqa-Mirsalim also made it clear that he will not drop out of the race. He touched on the issue of the Iran nuclear deal as well. Slamming the other parties particularly the US for failing to fully abide by their commitments under the accord, the presidential candidate said Washington has even imposed fresh sanctions on Iran. He said the next administration in Iran must spare no effort to stand firm on the country's nuclear rights.

Wednesday final day of campaigning

Wednesday marks the last day of campaigning for Iran’s May nineteenth elections and any more electioneering will be illegal as of 3:30 GMT on Thursday.

Iranians will go to the polls on Friday to take part in the country’s 12th presidential election and choose members of local city and village councils. Polls for both elections will officially open at 3:30 GMT on Friday. Over 56 million Iranians are eligible to cast their ballots at more than 63,000 stations throughout the country. Iranian expats will also be able to vote in more than a hundred countries.

Interior Minister: Results to be announced all at once

Iran's interior minister says the country's May 19th presidential election will not go to a second round given the withdrawal of two of the candidate.

Speaking at a press conference, Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli said those candidates who have announced their withdrawal must formally submit the request to the interior ministry. Should they fail to do so, only vote counting can determine whether or not there will be a runoff. Rahmani-Fazli warned against speculations regarding the election results before the ministry’s official announcement.

Leader hails secure atmosphere ahead of Friday vote

The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution has hailed the country’s atmosphere in the run up to presidential and local elections.

Addressing a crowd of people in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei said a massive voter turnout in the upcoming elections will demonstrate the nation’s determination and trust in the Islamic Republic. The leader urged voters to respect law and order in the course of the elections and afterward. He urged electoral bodies to safeguard the people’s votes. Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that religious democracy is a new experience that the Islamic Republic of Iran and its late founder, Imam Khomeini, offered to humanity. The Leader says Iranians’ turnout on election day will be yet another manifestation of this new idea.

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