Iran politicians register for presidential race

[May 11, 2013]  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iranian election authorities say several new high-profile politicians including hardliners, reformists, and allies of outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have registered for the June 14 presidential elections.

Tehran mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Ahmadinejad's adviser Ali Akbar Javanfekr and the president's elder brother, Davood Ahmadinejad are among dozens who joined the race ahead of Saturday's registration deadline. Pro-reform activists Ebrahim Asgharzadeh and Javad Eta'at also signed up.

The campaign is taking shape as open season on Ahmadinejad's legacy and his combative style that bolstered his stature among supporters but alarmed critics. Ahmadinejad is barred by law from seeking a third term due to term limits under Iran's constitution.

The hardline Guardian Council, a constitutional watchdog, will vet the applicants before allowing them to run.

[Associated Press]

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