WANA (June 26) – The fifth and final televised debate in the 2024 Iranian presidential election occurred. Six contenders presented their plans and blueprints for making the government more efficient. 

 

This debate followed four other invigorating debates focused primarily on economic, social, cultural, and foreign policy issues.

 

Here are highlights of the third televised presidential debate, which was hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

Iranian presidential candidate Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf attends an election debate at a television studio in Tehran, Iran June 25, 2024. Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf:

I pledge to continue the path of Martyr President Raisi and complete the projects he left unfinished.

 

I will strive to serve (the country) without (engaging in) political disputes and be an executive manager.

 

The executive branch (of the government) is not a place for trial and error, reinventing the wheel, or gaining experience. It involves people’s lives, reputations, time, and money.

 

Everyone knows me. I am a man of action, not of tension, quarrels, and discord. I have dedicated all my life and youth to the life and religion of the people of Iran.

 

Under the welfare card, we will cover five to six essential goods, including basic household items. We must provide a protective shield between inflation and wages so people’s livelihoods don’t weaken.

 

I will also address the issue of the eastern border wall while considering marketplaces. I will also pursue the idea of a second (economic) capital on the Indian Ocean coast.

Iranian presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian attends an election debate at a television studio in Tehran, Iran June 25, 2024. Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Masoud Pezeshkian:

I have come to rescue the people from the hardships of (economic) sanctions. Regarding international relations, we inevitably need to improve our connections with the world. No country can achieve prosperity and growth by closing its borders.

 

I have become a bridge for communication between the government and the younger generation (of the country)

 

Accountability and freedom of expression are essential for a transparent and accountable government, free from corruption.

 

I have come to put the country on the path of reforming production infrastructure and resolving energy inefficiencies.

 

Many who worked for President Raisi’s election headquarters are working for my election headquarters.

 

Conflict means the destruction of the country. We must set aside our differences.

Iranian presidential candidate Saeed Jalili ​attends an election debate at a television studio in Tehran, Iran June 25, 2024. Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Saeed Jalili:

Over the past 11 years, instead of wasting time in political bickering, we tried to be present in various cities and villages to understand the country’s capacities.

 

Real work must be distinguished from showmanship. The country must be run through something other than shows and formalities.

 

When it comes to ethnic groups and people of different faiths, the worst thing is when those with the rights of the people negotiate these rights during times like elections.

 

The media censor a large part of our society. They talk about women, but women who are heads of households, rural women, and homemakers are censored and not seen.

 

We must achieve what is worthy of the Iranian nation in the next five years.

 

Iranian presidential candidate Mostafa Pourmohammadi attends an election debate at a television studio in Tehran, Iran June 25, 2024. Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Mostafa Pour Mohammadi:

With all my being, I say, do not go towards despair; hope lies ahead. Do not go towards darkness; there are suns (to give brightness).

 

Transparency, free flow of information, and whistleblowers are critical factors in fighting corruption.

 

One of our problems in recent decades is the dysfunctional and pseudo-modern bureaucracy that has emerged from outside.

 

We will bring a general leap and an utterly positive balance to the Tehran stock exchange within one year.

Iranian presidential candidate Alireza Zakani attends an election debate at a television studio in Tehran, Iran, June 25, 2024. Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Alireza Zakani:

I do not recall ever lying to the people, but if someone has lied, I have confronted them.

 

My family and I are accountable for the 45 years since the Islamic Revolution, and by God’s grace, this is how we have chosen to live our lives.

 

Some people trust the enemy, which is naive. We must rely on the people and refer to our principles, resources, and beliefs.

 

I will protect your (voters) security, rights, and freedom. I am known for defending even the rights of my opponents.

 

Our program includes safeguarding your freedom, security, and privacy and creating ample internet access and employment opportunities.

Iranian presidential candidate Amir‑Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi attends an election debate at a television studio in Tehran, Iran June 25, 2024. Morteza Fakhri Nezhad/IRIB/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi:

I will end compulsory military service for the youth.

 

I have come to say that there is no deadlock, only solutions. We are running for Iran’s presidency.

 

For the sake of the people, we must fight against self-defeatism, corruption, inefficiency, populist rhetoric, irresponsibility, laziness, arrogance, and unscientific statements.

 

We have no solution other than building the country using the method practised by Martyr President Raisi. Completing the unfinished projects of Martyr Raisi’s government is among our plans.

 

We must make our economic environment predictable and control instability, currency shocks, and inflation.

 

Budget imbalance must be corrected, and budget allocation should be performance-based.

 

Transparency, eliminating golden signatures, and removing crony and rent-seeking culture are essential to tackling these issues.

 

By WANA writer

WANA - Iran's presidential election 2024

WANA – Iran’s presidential election 2024