Crowded race for Iranian presidency

TEHRAN, May 9 (UPI) -- Former Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian said Thursday he'd try to emulate Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini if elected president of Iran.

Fallahian and former Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Gharazi added their names Thursday to the growing list of presidential candidates in Iran. Gharazi said he'd try to improve the economy -- a common platform -- while Fallahian said he'd try to embrace the spirit of the 1979 revolution.

"My objectives have been the same as the goals of the late founder of the Islamic Republic (Khomeini)," he was quoted by Press TV as saying. "I have come to help strengthen Iran in politics, culture, social (issues), economy and the military."

More than 140 people have registered as candidates for the June 14 election. Registration began officially Tuesday and ends Saturday.

Elections officials said anyone can run for president provided they are an Iranian national, have religious or political credentials and adhere to the principles of an Islamic republic. Qualification is determined, however, by the 12-member Guardian Council.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is ineligible to run because of term limits. His election to a second term in 2009 sparked unrest in Iran not since the 1979 revolution.