Presidential hopeful Hassan Rohani (C) talks to reporters in Tehran on Thursday, May 2.[/caption]Presidential hopeful Hassan Rohani has criticized the ongoing political situation in Iran, promising more tolerance should he win presidential election next month.
Rohani, a mid-ranking cleric, made the remark on Thursday in his address to a gathering of women in Tehran.
He also reiterated that former presidents Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami will not run in the upcoming presidential race.
I talked to both these gentlemen and they said they would not run, said Rohani, closely allied to both Khatami and Rafsanjani.
Rohani is president of the Center for Strategic Research (CSR) of the Expediency Council, which is headed by Rafsanjani.
On Sunday, Rafsanjani, who is currently the chairman of the Expediency Council, said he would take measures to reform the Islamic Republics domestic and foreign policies if elected.
Rafsanjani served as Irans president from 1989 to 1997. In 2005, he ran for a third term in office, but ultimately lost the race to his rival, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Rohani has pledged to boost domestic production and form a cabinet with young members should he win the election.
A number of political figures have expressed interest in competing in the Islamic Republics upcoming presidential election.
Hopefuls can register from May 7 to 11 for the Islamic Republics 11th presidential poll, which will be held on June 14.
The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election, and the Guardian Council vets the candidates for their qualifications.
By Press TV
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