Tehran mayor withdraws from Iran presidential election

By Mustafa Melih Ahishali

TEHRAN (AA) – Tehran mayor Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Monday withdrew from this week’s presidential election in favor of conservative candidate Ibrahim Reisi.

"I am withdrawing my candidacy for the presidential election in favor of Reisi,” Ghalibaf said in a statement.

"The move comes with a view to preserving the revolution's front and its values," he added.

Iranian voters are set to cast ballot in the country’s presidential election on Friday.

Five candidates, including incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, are running in the race.

According to Iranian media, more than 56.4 million voters are eligible to cast ballot in the polls.