Only six established, conservative politicians are approved as candidates in Iran's tightly controlled presidential election.
80 people have expressed interest in running in the election, which has been announced for June 28, following the helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi.
However, the powerful Guardian Council only approves candidates who are not expected to challenge the strict Islamic rule. For example, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has clashed with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is rejected.
Among the six approved candidates, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament and known for being a hardline politician, is the favorite.
The presidency is important in Iran, but subordinate to the Supreme Leader. The power struggle is currently seen as particularly interesting as Khamenei is believed to be looking for a suitable successor, and the next president will be in a favorable position to take over.
