Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the hard-line former two-term leader of Iran who's barred from seeking office again, surprised election officials Wednesday by registering to run in next month's presidential race.
Ahmadinejad was also quoted as saying by ILNA news agency that "the Supreme Leader advised me not to run". He will pose a significant challenge to the reelection of popular moderate President Hassan Rouhani. While the deal eased worldwide sanctions in return for curbs on the country's nuclear programme, the trickle-down effects are yet to be felt by many of Iran's 80 million strong population.
But, Ahmadinejad approach and humble roots make him a popular figure among the poorer sections of society.
While more than 120 candidates have already put their name forward, the final list of those allowed to run for president will be vetted and published by the clerical Guardian Council on April 27.
Rouhani has stabilised the economy and ended some sanctions through a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Coming from humble working class origins, Ahmadinejad lost significant popular support after he controversially appointed several close family members and allies from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to senior positions within his administration. Accompanying the two was Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei, another former Ahmadinejad aide. Iran agreed to limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of some economic sanctions.
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Since then Iran has resumed selling oil and signed deals worth billions of dollars for passenger planes to replace its aging fleet.
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad officially registered on Wednesday morning to run in the upcoming presidential race in his country, which will take place in May. The benefits have yet to trickle down to the average Iranian, however, fuelling some discontent. In recent years it has blocked many reformists and independents, as well as conservatives, from running in parliamentary and presidential elections. Rouhani also is presumed to maintain support among liberals and those wanting tensions eased with the West, though polling is hard.
News of Ahmadinejad's bid became the topic of discussion across Tehran, leading news bulletins Wednesday night.
"He will go until the end", Javanfekr said.
Iran's clergy and ultra conservatives are also hoping for a strong candidate to rival Rowhani, in the form of 57-year-old conservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi.
"There are many reasons [Supreme Leader] Khameini doesn't want him back", Gindin said.
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