Iran’s approved presidential candidates 
----------------------------------------------
Iran’s presidential contest is heading to a showdown between the
country’s hardline chief justice and its moderate former Central Bank governor, as three alternative candidates drop out
----------------------------------------------
Guardian Council

Clerical vetting body has barred prominent reformists from standing
----------------------------------------------   
Age 60     
Ebrahim Raisi: Judiciary chief seen as clear frontrunner.
Believed to be favourite of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A win would boost Raisi’s chances of succeeding Khamenei
----------------------------------------------
64
Abdolnaser Hemmati: Former ambassador to China and Central Bank governor is seen as ally of outgoing President Hassan Rouhani. Only moderate contender in presidential race
----------------------------------------------
66
Mohsen Rezaei:
Former chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Holds PhD in economics
----------------------------------------------
50
Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi: Hardline deputy speaker of parliament – has pledged to boost Iran’s battered economy
----------------------------------------------    
Sources: Associated Press, Reuters Pictures: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS