Iranian presidential candidates gearing up for 2nd showdown on live TV

Iranian presidential candidates are preparing for a second showdown on live television later today, days after a first debate — which was intended to focus on economy — turned into a battlefield between two contrasting political views.

According to Press TV, later on Tuesday, the seven candidates will turn up at the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in northern Tehran for a second televised debate at 17:00 local time (1230 GMT).

The debate is scheduled to revolve around politics, society and culture.

Press TV’s website will be providing both live updates and live coverage of the event on its exclusive page for Iran’s 2021 presidential election.

During the showdown on Saturday, the five candidates associated with the Principlist camp attacked the eight-year performance of outgoing President Hassan Rouhani, a Moderate close to the Reformist camp.

In turn, the two other candidates, known as Reformists, pointed the finger of blame at the Principlists for worsening the country’s economic problems by heightening tensions with the West.

The seven-man presidential race will take place on June 18. The campaigning is slated to continue until June 16, after which the candidates will observe a day of pre-election silence.

This year, the candidates have been using state media and online social media platforms for campaigning, as the health protocols related to the coronavirus outbreak have forbidden large gatherings.

MG