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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)

14:24 12.5.2017

Qalibaf acknowledges that he lacks government experience but he says he has significant experience in city diplomacy.

14:23 12.5.2017

Qalibaf says Iran faces an "economic crisis" despite claims by the government.

14:21 12.5.2017

Qalibaf repeats his promise to create five millions jobs.

14:18 12.5.2017

Jahangiri attacks Qalibaf.

14:17 12.5.2017

Raisi says problems can be resolved through what he calls dignified diplomacy.

14:16 12.5.2017

Raisi blasts Rohani's government over economic stagnation, which he says is at record levels.

14:14 12.5.2017

Jahangiri asks whether the conservative candidates have foreign policy experience, or whether they're only after increasing tensions with the world. Are they capable of attracting foreign investment? he asks.

14:09 12.5.2017

Qalibaf blames the government problems for the country's economic problems.

14:07 12.5.2017

Raisi says he will ask the state TV for a one-on-one debate with Rohani to speak on behalf of those who don't have a voice.

14:02 12.5.2017

Raisi accuses Rohani of helping the poor and increasing subsidies to get votes.

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