MPs Reject Ban on Presidential Bid by Commanders
TEHRAN (Dispatches) – The Iranian parliament on Sunday dismissed a proposal to ban high-ranking military commanders from running in presidential elections.
The decision came as the parliament held a meeting to reform the presidential election law.
After discussions, the lawmakers rejected a proposal that sought to prevent top commanders of the armed forces above the rank of major general from running for president.
The proposal was rejected by 207 votes against 25, with five abstentions.
The next presidential election in June 2021 will be held simultaneously with city council and midterm parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections.
Candidates hoping to run in the next elections are to apply in early April for approval. The final list is to be announced by the Guardian Council in early June.
Under Iran’s law, an incumbent president cannot run for a third term if he has already served for two consecutive terms in office.
The decision came as the parliament held a meeting to reform the presidential election law.
After discussions, the lawmakers rejected a proposal that sought to prevent top commanders of the armed forces above the rank of major general from running for president.
The proposal was rejected by 207 votes against 25, with five abstentions.
The next presidential election in June 2021 will be held simultaneously with city council and midterm parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections.
Candidates hoping to run in the next elections are to apply in early April for approval. The final list is to be announced by the Guardian Council in early June.
Under Iran’s law, an incumbent president cannot run for a third term if he has already served for two consecutive terms in office.