Six men running for the Iranian presidency have faced off in the third and final round of nationally televised debates to discuss economic issues and make last-ditch efforts to defend their plans and criticize those of the rivals. Known as one of the most-watched programs in the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting history, the debate began at 16:30 local time with economy as the main theme. During the past two debates, each of which lasted for more than three hours, the candidates discussed socio-cultural and political subjects. Allotted equal minutes of speaking time each, the candidates are explicating their plans to deal with the country’s major economic problems after taking the office. Each of the candidates has been asked a question about the major economic problems and his plans to tackle them. As in the previous round, every candidate had four minutes to outline his plans, while the other five men had two minutes each to comment on the presentation. Then the candidate had five minutes to comment on other candidates’ criticism. There are six candidates in the race for the highest executive post in Iran, including the incumbent president himself. They have been singled out by the Guardian Council from among more than 1,600 applicants seeking presidency. Three of the candidates categorized as “reformists” include President Hassan Rouhani, First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, and Mostafa Hashemitaba. The other three, known for belonging to the “principlist” political faction, include Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, the chief custodian of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in the northeastern city of Mashhad, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim.
