The candidates are: incumbent President Hassan Rohani, a reformist; conservative cleric and former prosecutor Ebrahim Raisi; Tehran Mayor and former police chief Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf; reformist First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a Rohani ally; conservative former Culture Minister Mostafa Mirsalim; and former Iranian National Olympic Committee head Mostafa Hashemitaba, a centrist.
The moderator says the debate will focus on social issues. The state TV had originally said that the focus would be on socioeconomic issues.
Here are some of the social and economic issues that are likely to arise in the April 28 debate and throughout the campaign.
Talking Points: Social, Economic Issues Focus Of First Iran Debate
A few hours before the debate, Tehran’s Friday prayers Leader hard-line Ayatollah Khatami said that candidates should have the interests of the establishment in mind while debating. He added that comments that weaken the establishment are considered haram.