Presidential candidate drops out

Tehran, May 15, IRNA – Presidential candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf in a statement on Monday declared support for another presidential candidate, and urged his supporters to back him in May 19 presidential election.

Qalibaf, 55, did not explicitly mention that he has quitted the presidential race but the text of his statement is an indication of his withdrawal.

In the present juncture, Qalibaf said in the statement, “what is important and vital is to maintain interests of people, the country and [the Islamic] Revolution. Now that this great ideal can only be achieved by changing the status quo, a big and crucial decision should be made in order to preserve unity within the front of Revolution. Therefore, I ask my supporters throughout the country to use all their potentials for the success of Hojjatoleslam Ebrahim Raeisi and his government.”

Raeisi, 56, is a principlist candidate who serves as the custodian of Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine in Mashad, Khorasan Razavi Province.

Source: http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82530749/