Iran presidential candidates begin 1st live debate on state TV

The debate, broadcast live on state radio and television channels, is focused on economic and social issues of the country.

Ebrahim Raeisi, the custodian of Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine, Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mostafa Mirsalim and former minister of physical education Mostafa Hashemi Taba, as well as President Hassan Rouhani are the six candidates which will compete in May 19 presidential elections.

The second presidential group debate will be held next Friday (May 5) and focuses on political issues followed by the third and last group debate which is slated for May 12 with the economic issues as its focal point.

The candidates are given equal times so that they can introduce their plans in both live and recorded television and radio programs to the nation, the youth and Iranians residing in other countries in particular, based on a specific time-table which has been announced earlier.

Documentaries about each candidate’s biography have also been produced by their electoral headquarters to be aired twice on state television to let those eligible to vote know more about their candidates.

Social networks seem to have a significant role in the elections this year as the supporters of each candidate have an active presence in cyberspace.

After 1979 Islamic Revolution which led to the fall of the Pahlavi regime, Iran has held one election each year on average and all of them have witnessed large turnout of the people.

More reports on the first group debate would follow.

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