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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)

16:06 5.5.2017

We'll have a news wrap-up of the debate's bigger moments in a few minutes.

15:33 5.5.2017

The second debate just ended. Thanks for following.

15:29 5.5.2017

Rohani is listing the achievements of his government, including national health care.

15:28 5.5.2017

This user says Jahangiri's performance was weak.

15:25 5.5.2017

Qalibaf calls for transparency to fight corruption. He says all the candidates should disclose their wealth.

15:22 5.5.2017

Raisi says there shouldn't be a return to the past while adding that the current situation should also not be tolerated. He says there should be change that people can benefit from.

15:14 5.5.2017

Rohani blasts Ahmadinejad's government.

15:13 5.5.2017

Rohani was asked about simple living. He says it should be more than a slogan.

15:06 5.5.2017

Qalibaf suggests Rohani's government has relied too heavily on foreign investment while not trusting national resources.

15:01 5.5.2017

Some of the visitors at Tehran's Book Fair are watching the debate.

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