Former president calls on Iranians to support Rouhani in election

The former President of Iran, Mohammad Khatami, called on his supporters and the Iranian people on Sunday to support current President Hassan Rouhani in the election next Friday.

“Mr Rouhani’s government has been a successful one, despite all the limitations, problems and great expectations,” Khatami said in a video message posted on social media. “We should all go and vote for Rouhani, for freedom in thought, logic in dialogue, law in action, securing the rights of citizens and enforcing social and economic justice.”

Although many issues have been resolved, explained the ex-president, bigger issues remain, which all Iranians must help to solve. “For a better future and to strengthen hopes, give your vote to Rouhani.”

Five other candidates are competing in the presidential election in Iran: Ebrahim Raisi, the custodian of Astan Quds Razavi charitable foundation; Eshaq Jahangiri, Rouhani’s vice president; Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Mayor of Tehran; Mostafa Agha Mirsalim, a former minister of culture and Islamic guidance; and Mostafa Hashemi-Taba, a former top official of Iran’s physical education organisation and National Olympic Committee.