Accessibility links

Breaking News
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)

14:21 12.5.2017

Qalibaf repeats his promise to create five millions jobs.

14:23 12.5.2017

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

14:24 12.5.2017

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

14:25 12.5.2017

Candidates will now take a short break. We will be back.

14:47 12.5.2017

Before the 15-minute break, Qalibaf accused both Rohani and his VP Jahangiri of buying corrupt land.

14:56 12.5.2017

We're back. Qalibaf says for the sake of transparency he's posted a list of all of his assets on his channel on the app Telegram.

15:04 12.5.2017

Here is a list a copy of the list Qalibaf issued on Telegram. He claims these are all of his properties and assets.

15:06 12.5.2017

Raisi state structures should be fixed to counter corruption. He alleges that Rohani's brother is corrupt and that the president doesn't act against him.

15:09 12.5.2017

Rohani attacks Raisi, says he doesn't seem to be informed about legal issues despite being a judge. You're a judge, you make such gratuitous accusations?

15:14 12.5.2017

Jahangiri attacks Qalibaf who accused of corruption, says his life is spotless.

Load more

XS
SM
MD
LG