Education Minister Steps Down

President Hassan Rouhani accepted the resignation of Education Minister Mohammad Bat’haei who had decided to step down to become a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. 
Bat’haei had submitted his resignation last Sunday, asking the president to accept his resignation before the June 6 deadline to clear the path for his parliamentary candidacy, IRNA reported.  
Based on election regulations, those who hold positions in state organizations are required to quit six months prior to the date of filing their electoral nomination. 
The registration process starts on Dec. 1, so applicants could resign between May 31 and June 6. 
Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei dismissed claims that the minister's departure was due to his disputes with the Cabinet, saying the reason was his decision to run in parliament elections as stated in his resignation letter. 
Parliamentary elections are scheduled for Feb. 21.