The fact that Iran’s presidential election is not a genuine vote springing from the people’s will, but a farce show resulting from a power struggle between ruling factions, has become crystal clear.

By Iran Probe staff Monday, 17 April 2017

Where is Khamenei heading with Iran’s presidential election? - See more at: http://iranprobe.com/explore/articles/where-is-khamenei-heading-with-iran%E2%80%99s-presidential-election.html#sthash.z4jiAjeP.dpuf

Currently, with hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi, the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad entering the race, the scene of this rivalry has settled in to some great extent.

It’s quite obvious that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is behind Raisi’s candidacy in an attempted response to a number of challenges.
Iranian MP Hossein Ali Haji Doleigani said in an interview without mentioning Khamenei how the Supreme Leader asked Raisi to participate in the election.
Why did Khamenei place his weight behind Raisi?
Khamenei currently faces different challenges. The crisis evolving over his successor is increasing as we speak. The issue of Khamenei’s death has become a topic even he himself and his Friday prayer imams are speaking of openly. Reports indicate he is suffering from prostate cancer and two years ago Le Figaro reported physicians say there is no hope he will survive any longer than two years.
The next challenge has developed in a new administration taking the helm in Washington, installing significant changes to Obama’s policies and distancing itself from Tehran day by day.

This is how the presidency becomes the main challenge before Khamenei.
- See more at: http://iranprobe.com/explore/articles/where-is-khamenei-heading-with-iran%E2%80%99s-presidential-election.html#sthash.z4jiAjeP.dpuf