Rezaei, Hemmati, and Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi were competing with Raeisi in the presidential elections.

Rezaei also congratulated the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for people’s participation in the elections.

Also in part of his congratulatory message , Hemmati on his Instagram page hoped that Raeisi would bring prosperity and better livelihood for the “great Iranian nation”.

In his message, Qazizadeh also said congratulated Raeisi. “While supporting the votes of the people, I congratulate Hazrat Ayatollah Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi as the people’s” elected president, Qazizadeh stated.

Qazizadeh also wished success for Raeisi for being granted the honor by the electorate to serve the “great Iranian nation”.

He also congratulated the Leader of the Islamic Revolution for people’s “epic” participation in the presidential polls.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Qazizadeh said Ayatollah Khamenei “made the path clear to all through his guiding remarks on the eve of the elections.”

In televised remarks, sitting President Hassan Rouhani also congratulated the president-elect. However, he refused to mention the name of the president-elect.

However, the Interior Ministry has not yet released any report about the number of votes that each candidate has collected.

Also on Saturday morning, Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf praised the people’s massive participation in the elections despite complaints about incompetency in managing the country.

In a post on his Twitter account,  Qalibaf said he congratulates the holding of “national election celebrations as well as epic participation” of the people to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the “noble people of Iran”.

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An hour prior to the debate, candidates arrived at the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building to prepare for the second debate. Each had his own strategy in the debate. All candidates seemed to be focusing on presenting their plans, instead of accusing and defaming each other. Alireza Zakani said he is here to eradicate poverty, while Mohsen Mehr Alizadeh said that he will stick to his game plan and will not change his debating strategy. Mohsen Rezaei said that he hopes for the people to witness a fresh start and a new chapter in their lives and his government will “grant” hope to the people. Abdolnasser Hemmati said that he will focus on presenting his plans, as he is here to rescue media, economy, and culture. He called his administration “Government of National Transparency.” Saeed Jalili said that the debates are a ground to exchange views in a friendly atmosphere, hoping candidates share plans about neglected issues such as women, villagers and others. At the meantime, Raeisi said his rival is fraud and immorality, telling people that their will is important in improving the situation. He said he will not use his extra 5 minute to debunk accusations against himself. Amir Hossein Qazizadeh said he is here to build an Iran with the involvement of all classes of society, hoping candidates focus on main points. He said he has worked on his plans for years.

The debate started off with the drawing of lots to determine candidates’ seats. Mohsen Rezaei was given seat 1; Alireza Zakani seat 2; Mohsen Mehr Alizadeh seat 3; Amir Hossein Qazizadeh seat 4; Saeed Jalili seat 5; Ebrahim Raeisi seat 6; and Abdolnasser Hemmati seat 7.

Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi

Raeisi opened the debate by saying that he forfeits his extra 5 minute to debunk accusations levelled against him in the first debate held on Saturday.

“Social inequality is a result of mismanagement,” he said.

He also said that he will regulate salaries and give impetus to economic capacities.

When he was given 4 minutes to critique candidates’ remarks, the top judge said he has always been responsible in every position. He also stated that the most important issue of the country is to follow every single thing, such as regulating the salaries of workers and teachers.

Each candidate was given 3 minutes to defend his plans. Raeisi began his 3-minute defense by saying that people’s livelihood has been heavily affected. He said Iran has political independence, but not economic independence due to some officials’ viewpoints. He also said that justice is being undermined in all aspects, and it should be restored, especially political, social and economic justice.

In the second half of the debate, Raeisi discussed the need to remove cruel sanctions and at the same time making efforts to neutralize them.

“Economy should not be subjected to sanctions,” he said, emphasizing that active economic diplomacy cannot be achieved through words. According to the cleric presidential candidate, economic development is achievable through international marketing.

In his conclusion, Raeisi said that rights of the people must be guaranteed. Exemplifying the role of cyberspace in monitoring Judiciary officials as the chief judge, he said that it should be used by people to observe officials.

Mohsen Rezaei

Rezaei said one cannot deal with challenges through mottos and wizardry, adding he will stay until the end of election race and will not quit.

Addressing the audience, he said, “I will bring your stolen rights back.”

When he was given 4 minutes to evaluate candidates’ remarks, he said that his plan is called “Iran without poor people,” planning to provide “Abundance and Life” packages, including 450,000 tomans in cash subsidy.

In his 3-minute defense, he said that Iranian youth need to believe and be hopeful, stating that dedicated management can solve all challenges.

The former IRGC chief also claimed that environment has never been considered in five-year development plans.

“I plan to establish schools for ‘future leaders’ in all provinces,” he said. He stated that his administration will base education system on schools, and women will benefit from cheap internet to sell goods and promote their business.

Rezaei also promised to provide cheap housing for teachers to take a burden off of their shoulders.

In conclusion, he said that his plan is to perform major structural surgeries in the country. “I will reform political parties, and solve social issues through economy.”

Saeed Jalili

Jalili said that government officials need to change behavior to repair the damaged trust of people on officials, reiterating that Iran cannot be governed through “shows”.

When given 4 minutes to criticize candidates’ remarks, he said president should not just rule but prioritize plans to make Iran to make a “jump”. He added that maximum participation in the election is possible through presentation of candidates’ plans.

In his 3-minute defense, he said that the president needs synergy among all organizations, and should define missions for organizations and seriously follow the ensuing results.

In the second half of the debate, Jalili said that healthcare is not limited to just one ministry, and the government needs synergy among all government bodies. He said unemployment and road accidents affect healthcare, and they are not something the Ministry of Health can overcome singlehandedly. Other ministries should participate as well, he insisted.

He also said that Iran should not wait for a few (Western) countries, and should interact with all countries.

Mohsen Mehr Alizadeh 

Mehr Alizadeh began his remarks by saying that Iran must revive the JCPOA and negotiate from the position of power.

He also said that he will regulate recruitment of teachers and their salaries, and pay special attention to healthcare workers. He also said that COVID-19 crisis could have been handled better.

He also said the government needs to support the youth lifestyle.

The presidential contender said, “Our young scientists have developed nuclear program, and research institutes should localize nuclear science.”

Mehr Alizadeh said that Iranian youth have accomplished so much. He also said that he will elect 3 female ministers if the Majlis agrees. He added his government’s average age would be 45.

He concluded by saying that opportunities should be provided for the youth, and investment in cyberspace should be eased.

Abdolnasser Hemmati

Hemmati began his remarks by saying that he is the voice of the “silent majority”, arguing that monopoly is a major cause of inefficiency and corruption.

When given 4 minutes to critique candidates’ remarks, he said that cyberspace will help boost small businesses and he will remove obstacles for businesses. He said that he had sacrificed two years of his life running the central bank.

In his 3-minute defense, he said that meritocracy should be given priority, and his likely administration will seek to tap the competence of all ethnic and religious minorities and also women. He said that he will pay attention to environment and also make serious efforts to remove sanctions on Iran. He added that sanctions caused growth in liquidity.

He reiterated that his slogan is “interaction from homes to the world,” calling himself “the commander of sanction neutralization.”

He concluded by saying that he views everything economically, and considers himself representative of the youth.

Amir Hossein Qazizadeh 

Qazizadeh said that different bodies of the government need to work in harmony and that a structural reform is needed.

When given 4 minutes to critique candidates’ remarks, he said that he will pay special attention to the youth, criticizing long years of education and lamented brain drain.

He also said that the death toll from COVID-19 in Iran is unjustifiable.

“Debates are to make people understand candidates’ plans,” he said. He called Ministry of Education the most important ministry, saying that scouting talents is missing in the education system.

He said that “meritocracy” should be the criteria for appointing people in important positions.

He concluded by saying that the president is responsible for the country’s strategies, and the Foreign Ministry should use economic opportunities.

Alireza Zakani

Zakani began by saying that he is following 4 major plans in the field of culture and society, including environment protection. He added that as physician he will provide insurance for fertile couples.

When given 4 minutes to assess the candidates’ remarks, he said that freedom cannot be separated from justice, arguing that actions show candidates’ records.

In his 3-minute defense, he said that he is ready to hold debate with all candidates based on facts and figures, adding that president should present a complete package. Zakani repeated that he can uproot poverty in the first year of his presidency.

“My government will serve people, and I will distribute wealth fairly. I will confront those involved in economic corruption; our enemy is poverty, corruption and discrimination,” he said.

He concluded by saying that the people are fed up with economic frauds. He added production obstacles must be removed.

He added that the people’s privacy should be respected, and discrimination must be abolished. He finally said that 26 spies were arrested in the current administration.

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“The frustration of the people due to some actions and the invitation of many different strata made me enter the election arena,” he said.

Raeisi said that the 40-year management has given him the knowledge to solve problems, and he wants to solve the problems by acting eagerly alongside the people.

“I told some presidents who were at the end of their term to see the constitution, to see the powers of the president, the powers given to the president by the constitution. I suggested to some gentlemen to read the constitution once and then step into the field of elections,” the presidential contender stated.

Raeisi also said that the world economy cannot be put on hold.

“We will interact with the world. Iran’s influence in the region, along with active diplomacy in the economic field will be one of our plans. The principle of interaction with other countries is certain, but it is not logical to tie the country’s progress to it and condition the economy,” he pointed out.

Raeisi went on to say that today sanctions under the “maximum pressure” strategy by the U.S. have not bended Iran.

“What we see in the country today has nothing to do with sanctions, it is related to internal mismanagement. Sanctions have created problems, but they are more about mismanagement,” he remarked.

In response to the question whether he has unemployed people in his family, he said, “Yes, we also have unemployed people; it is impossible not to have an unemployed member in the family.”

The top judge, that in the opinion polls far ahead of his competitors for the presidential post, said unemployment, housing and health issues are the major problems Iranians are facing right now.

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The campaign office spokesman, Khezr Khalili, said despite the criticisms by some reformists about the vetting process of the candidates by the Guardian Council, they have decided to participate in the elections and maintain the framework of a reformist attitude as they do not see a boycott of the elections in line with the national interests.

“Based on modern, national and reassuring views, which are clearly mentioned in Ayatollah Raeisi’s election statement, this group of reformist activists decided to expand into a broader campaign with the aim of converging and focusing on the country’s transition program from existing problems and crises and form a political current to encourage the people to participate in great numbers in the elections and support Ayatollah Raeisi,” he explained.

Khezr Khalili said that Ayatollah Raeisi has clearly stated that he is an independent candidate and presented modern and reformist programs to combat corruption, promote transparency, reduce tensions, make immediate efforts to lift sanctions, guarantee freedom of media and opinion, eliminate discrimination that realization of them will significantly improve the political and economic situation.

The implementation of such a policy will reduce the pressure and hardship “on the dear people of our country,” he pointed out.

The candidates started campaigns on May 25, right after the Guardian Council announced the names of the confirmed presidential hopefuls.

The candidates should end their campaigns by June 17, 23:59pm.

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Dehghan, the former defense minister in Hassan Rouhani’s first administration, said after careful consideration and consultation with advisors he decided to quit the race in favor of Raeisi.

Ghasemi, the oil minister in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s second administration who was also chief of the Khatam-al Anbiya Construction Headquarters from 2007 to 2011, also issued a statement saying that he quits in favor of the “Revolution Front.”

Mohammad Hassan Nami, a former military officer, also issued a statement on Monday night announcing that he is quitting the election race in order to increase Raeisi’s share of votes.

Alireza Afshar, another principlist candidate who served as deputy interior minister during the Ahmadinejad administration, withdrew from the race in favor of Raeisi.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, he said that his withdrawal will help Raeisi win more voters.

The presidential election will be held on June 18.

On Tuesday, the names of presidential candidates confirmed by the Guardian Council were released by the Interior Ministry.

The candidates found competent to run for the presidential post are seven persons. They are Judiciary Chief Raeisi; Expediency Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei; former Supreme National Security Council secretary Saeed Jalili; Deputy Parliament Speaker Amirhossein Qazizadeh; MP Alireza Zakani; central banker Abolnasser Hemmati; and former Physical Education Organization chief Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh.

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Manufactured by Cuba’s Finlay Vaccine Institute and Pasteur Institute of Iran, the vaccine is a conjugate vaccine with two injectable doses. It consists of the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein conjugated chemically to tetanus toxoid.

The two first phases of the human trial have been conducted in Cuba, while the third phase will be performed on a population of 18 to 80 years in Iran, and Mexico.

On March 11, some 100,000 doses of the Cuban vaccine, were delivered to Iran, as part of Havana’s cooperation program with other countries to develop the vaccine.

The vaccine is to be produced jointly with Cuba after vaccinating 50,000 Iranians and studying the results at the Pasteur Institute of Iran.

Alireza Raeisi, spokesman for the National Headquarters for Coronavirus control said that so far, a total of 1,895,000 doses of vaccine has been delivered to the country, including, 420,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccine from Russia, 650,000 doses of vaccine from China, 125,000 doses from India, 700,000 doses of Astrazeneca vaccine from South Korea (from the World Health Organization’s COVAX facility).

According to the latest announcement of the Ministry of Health, 376,684 people have received the first dose of Corona vaccine and 121,803 people the second dose of the vaccine in Iran.

Homegrown vaccines

COVIRAN BAREKAT, the first coronavirus vaccine made by researchers at the Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam which was unveiled on December 29, 2020, started to be mass-produced on March 29.

The second Iranian coronavirus vaccine, Razi Cov Pars, which started the clinical trial on February 27, will be mass-produced in early August.

Fakhra vaccine, the third homegrown vaccine, was unveiled and started the clinical trial on March 16.

On January 27, Health Minister Saeed Namaki said Iran will soon be one of the world’s important manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine.

New cases and mortalities

In a press briefing on Sunday, Health Ministry’s spokesperson Sima-Sadat Lari confirmed 21,644 new cases of COVID-19 infection, raising the total number of infections to 2,237,089. She added that 1,785,358 patients have so far recovered, but 4,766 remain in critical conditions of the disease.

During the past 24 hours, 405 patients have lost their lives, bringing the total number of deaths to 66,732, she added.

So far, 14,386,423 COVID-19 diagnostic tests have been performed in the country.

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