Ahmadinejad and the lost political credibility
WANA (Jun03) – Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a significant figure in Iran’s political landscape, served as the country’s sixth president from 2005 to 2013. He has now thrown his hat into the ring, registering to run in the upcoming presidential elections on June 28.
He is no longer wearing his famous jacket. He botoxed his face to look younger. He smiles and looks lively to convey this message to his fans that he has not been disappointed by the successive failures in recent years.
Ahmadinejad, who became president with the support of conservative groups, faced many challenges. Tension in the country’s political atmosphere, political polarization, interference in affairs that were not part of the executive branch’s duties, opposition to some of the leadership’s orders, etc., have been the reasons for the conflict between Ahmadinejad and his influential supporters. These challenges, while testing his leadership, also shaped his political journey.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former president of Iran, his identification document as he registers as a candidate for the presidential election at the Interior Ministry, in Tehran, Iran, June 2, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
The intensity of conflict between Ahmadinejad and the ruling system increased during the second term of his presidency to the extent that he left the presidency for 11 days and stayed at home as a sign of protest. This act caused the supreme leader’s disciples to be completely disappointed with him and no longer consider him their representative in the body of the government.
After losing many of his old allies and supporters in power, Ahmadinejad demonstrated his resilience by trying to strengthen his social base. He approached the reformists, hoping to bridge the gap. This wish of Ahmadinejad was never realized because the reformists’ enmity with them was deep and intense. Despite this setback, his determination to regain support remained unwavering.
The man who always appeared in front of the cameras with a simple jacket is still extremely popular among Iranians, but with the difference that none of his fans are willing to pay for his out-of-the-box, sometimes biased and political work.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former president of Iran, speaks at a press conference after registering as a candidate for the presidential election at the Interior Ministry, in Tehran, Iran, June 2, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Ahmadinejad registered for the post of president in previous terms but was disqualified. Many believe that he will be rejected again this term.
Ahmadinejad’s 24 million votes, the product of the highest participation rate in Iran’s elections, caused him to fall into the illusion that his supporters would oppose the system if he were disqualified—a false expectation that never came true.
Iran’s political system no longer values Ahmadinejad. He was once considered a good opportunity to improve the structure of the Islamic Republic of Iran, but today, he is more like a problem, one that plays with everyone’s nerves.
Ahmadinejad’s entry into the presidential race suggests no new plans to manage the country’s problems. He no longer has a new and attractive program, nor are his special behaviors and statements attractive to the audience. More importantly, influential and knowledgeable people are not willing to cooperate with his government. It seems that the Guardian Council’s greatest favor is Ahmadinejad’s disqualification.
By: R.Ganji
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