On June 14, Iranians head to the polls in the country's first presidential election since the contested vote in 2009, the aftermath of which saw hundreds of thousands of protesters take to the streets to demonstrate against the results. Here, RFE/RL editors will compile some of the best tidbits from the last few days of the campaign, including comments sent by Iranians to RFE/RL's Radio Farda.
Yesterday, Mohammad Gharazi appeared on the TV program "Your Choice," where he took pre-recorded questions. One question asked about high interest rates at banks, which Gharazi said that the high rates were caused by high inflation, and that his government would be an "anti-inflation government."
"Vote for methods, not people," he said. "My way is fighting with inflation and developing republicanism and Islamism."
"I am neither a principlist, nor a reformist," Gharazi noted.
Presidential candidate Mohammad Gharazi: "Vote for methods, not people"
Campaigning in the city of Qom, Ali Akbar Velayati tells the crowd: "It is a privilege for me to be acknowledged by high-ranking clergies and theological scholars in the holy city of Qom and if elected, I will do my best to fulfil the expectations."
Advisor to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and hopeful presidential candidate Ali Akbar Velayati
On Facebook, Bahman writes: "In my opinion we should participate in the elections and show that the Green Movement is alive and make it harder for the regime, which intends to alter the vote count."
Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets Tehran against alleged fraud in the 2009 presidential elections
07:2411.6.2013
Hassan sends and SMS from Kerman (southeastern Iran): "Voting has no meaning in a country where its leaders think they are the best in the world in every sphere. In this summer heat, we don’t have electricity for 4-5 hours a day."
07:1611.6.2013
An anonymous SMS from Iran: "Mr. Khamenei is a great leader and the pride of every Iranian."
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
07:1411.6.2013
Ramin writes on Facebook: "In my opinion the election campaigning will not have any effect. As far as I know the majority of the people will not go to vote."
22:5610.6.2013
Omid from Isfahan texts: "My message to Iranians: If you want the country to be saved, go and vote for Mr. Rohani"
RFE/RL's profile of Hassan Rohani here. His campaign tweets in (mainly) English as well, follow @HassanRouhani.
The former nuclear negotiator may yet have a chance
22:5010.6.2013
From "Irandoost" via email: "As a matter of fact I am a patriot and I’ll definitely participate in the elections. There are diverse groups and preferences represented among the candidates. I vote for the principal. Thanks."
