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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)

12:24 5.5.2017

Rohani is now reacting to Qalibaf comment about an alleged "suspicious package" found in a building that belongs to a minister. He said Qalibaf made the claim before the issue was clarified.

12:24 5.5.2017

Rohani stresses that morality is the foundation of education.

12:26 5.5.2017

Raisi says the candidates are here to present their programs for people to decide. He said bringing up other issues is not appropriate.

12:29 5.5.2017

Raisi attacks Rohani, he says the president should answer questions about key issues, including youth unemployment.

12:30 5.5.2017

Raisi was criticized for being absent during the first debate. Is his criticism of Rohani a change in tactic? We'll see.

12:35 5.5.2017

Rohani criticizes the ban on maestro Mohammad Reza Shajarian's Rabana (Islamic prayer) on state TV during Ramadan. The highly popular Shajarian had expressed support for Iran's opposition figure.

12:37 5.5.2017

Qalibaf keep us his criticism of the government.

12:39 5.5.2017

Former hard-line President Mahmud Ahmadinejad with a tweet about spring during the second presidential debate. Ahmadinejad and his aide Baghaei were not allowed to run.

12:43 5.5.2017

Mirsalim says Rohani's administration has closed the door to criticism.

12:47 5.5.2017

Rohani says different ideas should be recognized, he says when political parties are not allowed to be active fairly the country faces problems.

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