Administration dismisses speculation about Rahim-Mashaii presidential candidacy

TEHRAN, Sept.6 (MNA) -- Iran’s presidential office issued a statement on Wednesday vehemently dismissing the speculation that Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaii will run for president in the 2013 election. The statement was issued following an interview with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that was broadcast live on Iranian state television on Tuesday night, in which he said his government’s plans would continue beyond 2013. “Who has said that this year is the last year of the government?” Ahmadinejad asked. After his remarks, speculation arose that President Ahmadinejad intends to nominate his closest ally, Rahim-Mashaii, as a presidential candidate. MP Mohammad Dehqan, who is a member of the Majlis Presiding Board, told the Mehr News Agency on Wednesday that the president gave the interview in order to begin the implementation of a “Putin-Medvedev election plan.” The second term of the Ahmadinejad administration ends in the summer of 2013. According to the Iranian Constitution, one cannot serve as president more than two consecutive terms. However, after being out of office for four years, it is permissible to run for president again.