Iran fires the starting gun this week on an election to replace President Ebrahim Raisi, whose death in a helicopter crash could complicate efforts by the authorities to manage a task of even greater consequence - the succession to the supreme leader.
Once seen as a possible successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's aging ultimate decision-maker, Raisi's sudden death has triggered a race among hardliners to influence the selection of Iran's next leader.
Insiders and analysts say, Khamenei, 85, seeks a fiercely loyal president in the June 28 election to run the country day-to-day and be a trusted ally who can ensure stability amid maneuvering over the eventual succession to his own position.
"The next president is likely to be a hardliner unwaveringly loyal to Khamenei with a background in the Revolutionary Guards. Someone with an unblemished background and devoid of political rivalries," said Tehran-based analyst Saeed Leylaz.
More
m.jpost.com
Once seen as a possible successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's aging ultimate decision-maker, Raisi's sudden death has triggered a race among hardliners to influence the selection of Iran's next leader.
Insiders and analysts say, Khamenei, 85, seeks a fiercely loyal president in the June 28 election to run the country day-to-day and be a trusted ally who can ensure stability amid maneuvering over the eventual succession to his own position.
"The next president is likely to be a hardliner unwaveringly loyal to Khamenei with a background in the Revolutionary Guards. Someone with an unblemished background and devoid of political rivalries," said Tehran-based analyst Saeed Leylaz.
More
Iran's Khamenei seeks trusted hardliner to replace Raisi in June vote
Iran's election to replace the late President Raisi triggers a hardliner race to influence the next supreme leader's succession, aiming for a Khamenei-loyal president.
m.jpost.com
meet the new boss, same as the old boss.......and the people will get fooled again!
