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All six approved candidates in Iran's presidential election onstage in Tehran on May 5 for the second of the three live debates. The election is set for May 19.
All six approved candidates in Iran's presidential election onstage in Tehran on May 5 for the second of the three live debates. The election is set for May 19.

Live Blog: Iran's Final Presidential Debate

* The six candidates approved for Iran's strictly vetted presidential ballot are appearing for the last of three live televised debates before the May 19 election. The topic is economics.

* Iranian President Hassan Rohani is seeking a second four-year term. His main challenges from the conservative side are expected to come from cleric Ebrahim Raisi and Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. (Read profiles of the candidates.)

* The official campaign period ends on May 17, two days before voting in the first round of a possible two-round election. If no candidate gets more than half of the vote, the second round would be held on May 26.

* Official media put the number of eligible voters at around 55 million.

* In the first debate, the candidates clashed over Rohani's record on job creation. In the second debate, Rohani's conservative rivals accused him of having failed to "cash the check" from the 2015 deal curbing Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief.

*NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Tehran (GMT +4 1/2)

13:45 5.5.2017

Rohani briefly mentioned Iran's role in Syria, said Iranian "military advisers" have been killed in the violence.

13:43 5.5.2017

Good point by ICG's Vaez on Jahangiri's role in the debate:

13:38 5.5.2017

Rohani says diplomacy is important to achieve peace and stability. He says his government has been using foreign policy as a tool from day 1.

13:37 5.5.2017

Qalibaf says he will create a ministry of foreign affairs and international trade, if elected.

13:35 5.5.2017

Ali Vaez, Iran analyst with the International Crisis Group , is not impressed by Rohani's performance.

13:33 5.5.2017

Raisi says the so called resistance economy is Iran's priority and foreign policy should be affected by it.

13:30 5.5.2017

Raisi says Iran should have good ties with neighboring countries.

13:25 5.5.2017

Jahangiri says Iran's soft power should be reinforced along with its hard power.

13:20 5.5.2017

Qalibaf had also said before the debate that he will safeguard the nuclear deal if elected.

13:19 5.5.2017

Raisi says any administration that comes to power should remain committed to the nuclear deal.

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