Tehran mayor withdraws from Iran's presidential race

Tehran's mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a candidate for Iran's upcoming presidential election, said on Monday that he decides to withdraw from the presidential race to back another candidate Ebrahim Raisi, state TV reported.

In a statement, Qalibaf said he is supporting the fundamental change to the status quo through the fight against the affluent minority who has held their grips on the economic resources of the country.

"Right now, the main goal of the people should be a fight against aristocracy and opportunism in order to find a precise and comprehensive solution to the country's problems," Qalibaf was quoted as saying.

"I ask all my popular supporters across the country to use all their potential and support for the success of our respectable brother, Ebrahim Raisi," he said.

On April 21, out of 1636 registered candidates, six were qualified, including three principalists, or conservatives as they are commonly referred to, two centrists and one reformist, to comepete for a four-year term as the president.

Both Qalibaf and Raisi are conservative rivals of incumbent President Hassan Rouhani who hopes not to lose his current sovereignty.

Over 56 million Iranians are eligible for balloting on decisive Friday. Endit