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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)

14:16 5.5.2017

Rohani makes fun of Qalibaf

14:14 5.5.2017

Rohani criticizes the powerful IRGC:

14:12 5.5.2017

Jahangiri said those who criticized Iran's FM and his team over the nuclear negotiations are now taking souvenir pictures with the accord.

14:06 5.5.2017

Jahangiri, who is less confrontational than the first debate, praises former reformist President Mohammad Khatami for his call for a dialogue among civilizations. Khatami is facing a media ban.

13:57 5.5.2017

Good reminder that Iran's presidential elections are not free and fair:

13:55 5.5.2017

Praise for former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad:

13:53 5.5.2017

Iran analyst Suzanne Maloney highlights the reason why all the candidates, includingconservatives, support the nuclear deal:

13:50 5.5.2017

Jahangiri calls on Iranians to vote.

13:49 5.5.2017

Our Persian Service Radio Farda is also live blogging the debate for Farsi speakers, link here: http://www.radiofarda.com/a/f7-iran-2nd-presidential-debate/28469828.html

13:47 5.5.2017

Jahangiri emphasizes the importance of diplomacy.

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