Iran’s former president Ahmadinejad to run in upcoming elections

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday filed his nomination on the second day of registration to run in the June presidential elections.

Ahmadinejad, who was disqualified in 2017 by the Guardian Council, Iran’s top vetting body, warned that he will not recognize election or vote if he faces rejection again this time.

The vetting of prospective candidates will take place after the five-day registration process ends.

Ahmadinejad termed the situation in the country as "sensitive" and "difficult", saying reform was not possible with the existing governance structure.

"We must all prepare ourselves for major reforms and a big and extensive shake-up, and the process must be done according to the will of the people," he remarked.

Earlier, Ahmadinejad’s supporters had an altercation with staff at the Interior Ministry, where the nominations are being filed, after they were not allowed to accompany him inside the ministry premises due to COVID-19 restrictions.