Iran Seeking Substitute figure Ahmadinejad

In this six-week, Iran began to busy with preparations presidential election. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's term of office will run out, and since 7 May, the politicians had enrolled himself for a presidential candidate. 

Dozens of politicians from various factions were ready to fight in the election held in June 2013. According to local media, 62 people have been handed a stack of cards and signs inhabitants presidential nomination documents to the Ministry of the Interior. 

Some of them are former Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rouhani, Iran's former Health Minister Kamran Bagheri Lankarani and former member of parliament Mostava Kavakebian. Besides the three candidates, the chief negotiator Saeed Jalili as Iran that are still active are also seen as a strong candidate.

According to one media India, The Hindu, presidential battle in 2013 will be enlivened by the conservative, reformist, pro-government, and independent. Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar who open exchange reminded that nomination, the candidates are not allowed to break the rules as well as start their campaign before the specified name.

"Registration of candidates will continue until May 11, and a review of the candidates will be conducted by the Guardian Council, began on May 12," Najjar said, as quoted by Fars, Thursday (05/09/2013).

So far, the media often refer Rouhani and Kavakebian as a reformer. However, it's unclear, whether a senior politician like former President Mohammad Khatami and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani will run anyway.

Rafsanjani had previously said that he wanted to run when Ayatollah Khamenei blessing. But supporters of Khamenei accused Rafsanjani conspired with the Green Movement (opposition) right in the 2009 election.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Under the Constitution of Iran, Ahmadinejad is not allowed to run again in the election. That's because Ahmadinejad has led for two period.

Ahmadinejad also rumored to be supporting Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei as his replacement figure. Mashaei is the chief of staff of the Iranian President's office, as well relative of Ahmadinejad.

Some supporters of Khamenei said, Mashaei figure is likely to be rejected by the Guardian Council. Yet some in Iran is quite sure, Ahmadinejad will try as hard as possible to approve the nomination of Mashaei.