Ali Motahari, the representative of Tehran at Parliament of Iran, says he has urged Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to take part in the upcoming presidential election as a candidate but Rafsanjani didn’t approve his request.
“Three weeks ago I met Ayatollah Rafsanji and urged him to announce his nomination for 2013 presidential election. I believe the current conditions of country are critical and we need Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to become candidate for this election. But he told me that he cannot accept this because of his had health.” said Ali Motahari, a moderate conservative Iranian politician.
Hashemi Rafsanjani used to serve as the president of Islamic Republic for 8 years. He had a great role in toppling Shah’s reign in country and Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of Islamic Republic, has praised his contributions to Iran’s revolution. In 2005 Rafsanjani ran for a third term in office, placing first in the first round of elections but ultimately losing to rival Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the run-off round of the 2005 election.
“We are in emergency situations. There are many problems threatening Iran’s economy, culture and foreign policies. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani would be good choice to fix conditions. However he said he will support a right nominee in next presidential election.” Ali Motahari added.
The eleventh election of the President of Iran is scheduled to be held on 14 June 2013 to elect the seventh President, successor of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is barred from standing for a third term. The elections will take place on the same day as local council elections.