Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani announced his intention to stand as a candidate in the Assembly of Experts election, scheduled to be held on Feb. 26, 2016, the Tabnak news website reported on Monday citing the veteran politician’s recent interview with two media outlets.
Asked about the significance of the two upcoming elections of the clerical body and the Majlis, which will take place concurrently, the former chairman of the assembly said, “The two votes are among the most important elections. Those who feel an Islamic and national obligation should prepare themselves to participate in the elections.”
He added, “I am not able to run in the parliamentary poll but intend to contest the assembly’s election.”
The clerical body elects and oversees the Leader, and has the power to dismiss the highest-ranking official.
