Iranian Security Council Secretary Jalili to run for presidency

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Saeed Jalili, who is the country’s chief nuclear programme negotiator, confirmed his intention to run for presidency and filed an appropriate application on Saturday, May 11. However Jalili made no comments regarding his political preferences. The registration of presidential candidates which started on May 7 ends on May 11. According to the Interior Ministry, there are some 400 nominees wishing to compete in the upcoming election. Now the Guardian Council has five days to evaluate the candidates for compliance with the constitutional requirements. This period may be extended for five more days, if need be. After that, the Council will announce the names of the candidates cleared for further participation in the election slated for June 14. At the previous election four years ago, 475 candidates had been registered but the Guardian Council approved only four of them.