This issue will undoubtedly be at the center of the struggle in Iran between Rouhani and opponents of the agreement in the presidential election campaign
Earlier than expected, the Iranian political system is preparing for the twelfth presidential elections, scheduled for May 19, 2017. Various political and media figures are discussing the issue, and names of candidates have already been tossed around.
The Iranian presidential election involves a structured process that includes a number of stages. After registering at the Interior Ministry, candidates are screened by the Guardian Council of the Constitution, which assesses their qualifications, ostensibly according to criteria stipulated in the constitution. In practice, however, candidates are evaluated in accordance with the wishes of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as half of the members of the Council are personally appointed by him, while the others are appointed by the judicial authority, which is subject to him. The Guardian Council of the Constitution publishes the final list of candidates a month before the elections, and then the media campaign of the candidates approved by the Council begins, including public appearances at conferences and televised debates. A 50 percent majority of all voters is required in order to win the elections. If no candidate wins such a majority, a second round is held between the two leading candidates.
