TEHRAN- Preparations for snap presidential elections in late June are underway in Iran, with presidential candidates heading to the Interior Ministry to register their bids for president.

In light of the upcoming snap presidential election, the executive deputy of the Constitutional Council announced that meetings to organize the election began immediately after the news of the martyrdom of the late President. 

"According to Article 131 of the Constitution, the election must be held within 50 days of the President's martyrdom," Mohammad Hassan Sadeghi Moghaddam said.

Sadeghi Moghaddam assured that all necessary preparations for the election are well underway. The processes are progressing smoothly, and the Ministry of Interior began the candidate registration process on Thursday, May 30.

He emphasized that the Constitutional Council will vet candidates' qualifications according to the law, beginning after the registration period ends. The Council has a deadline of two five-day periods to complete this vetting process. "We hope to announce the final decision in less than 10 days, giving candidates ample time for their election campaigns," he added.

Sadeghi Moghaddam described election officials as "defenders of religious democracy," stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of the people's votes with a sense of responsibility and impartiality.

On the second day of candidate registration, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi visited the Election Headquarters to oversee the process.

Prominent figures register for Iran’s snap presidential election

Abdolnasser Hemmati, ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), declared his candidacy for the 14th presidential election on Friday.

Ghodrat Ali Heshmatian, former representative of Sonqor city in Kermanshah province's central district during the 5th parliamentary term, has officially registered as a presidential candidate. He declared, "My cabinet will be the cabinet of welfare."

Abbas Moqtadaei, who represented Isfahan in the 9th, 11th, and 12th parliamentary terms, entered the race.

Mostafa Kavakebian, a representative in the 8th and 10th parliaments, also registered, promising a "democratic" government.

Mohammad Reza Sabbaghian, with experience as a representative in the 10th, 11th, and 12th parliaments, registered and aims for "political and economic reform."

Saeed Jalili, a current member of the Expediency Council and a three-time presidential candidate, emphasized the need for visionary leadership, stating "The president needs to aspire for greatness, not just basic routines... The Islamic Republic is at a crucial historical juncture, and ignoring this chance will hinder our progress."

Jalili registered on the first day of the registration process. 

Ali Larijani, currently an adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, also registered. 

Highlighting the importance of national unity, Larijani said his cabinet would include skilled individuals from across the political spectrum. 

Larijani's resume includes roles such as Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, head of the IRIB, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Speaker of Parliament for three terms.

Other notable registrants include Mahmoud Ahmadi Bighash, a representative in the 8th and 11th parliaments, and Mahmood Khoshchehreh, a representative in the 7th parliament.

With a diverse array of political figures participating, it appears that more candidates will finalize their registration soon, setting the stage for a competitive electoral marathon.