Former hard-line Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has officially registered as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, Iranian media reported on Sunday. The election, set to take place on June 28, will choose a successor to Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash along with seven others.

Ahmadinejad, who served two terms as president from 2005 to 2013, is widely known for his harsh anti-Israel rhetoric, including Holocaust denial and calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. His controversial statements and policies during his presidency drew significant international condemnation.

As the registration period closes on Tuesday, around 20 candidates have already put their names forward, according to state radio. The final list of approved candidates will be determined by the Guardian Council, a body of clerics and legal experts, within the next ten days. Historically, the council has only approved candidates deemed loyal to the country's political system. Ahmadinejad's candidacy in 2021 was barred by the authorities, raising questions about his chances of being allowed to run this time, especially given his recent critical remarks about the government.

Ahmadinejad, now 67, has been perceived to have fallen out of favor with Iran's establishment, notably challenging Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his presidency. Despite being the head of government, the president of Iran does not hold the ultimate power, which is vested in the Supreme Leader.

Observers predict a low voter turnout for the upcoming election, mirroring the parliamentary elections earlier this year, which saw a record-low participation of around 40%. Many Iranians are reportedly disillusioned with the political process amid widespread repression and dissatisfaction with the current state of governance.

The political climate in Iran remains tense as the Guardian Council prepares to announce the final list of presidential candidates. Whether Ahmadinejad will be allowed to compete remains uncertain, but his registration marks a significant moment in Iran's political landscape.