Press TV- An Iranian presidential candidate has criticized the existence of corruption in the country, stressing that the next president as the head of the administration�must be at the forefront of the campaign against the scourge.


�The [Iranian] people are concerned about the reports�published about administrative corruption. How long should the people witness corruption in the country? Isn't it impossible to eliminate administrative corruption in the country?� Ebrahim Raeisi said in a stump speech in the city of Birjand, South Khorasan Province, on Tuesday.

He expressed grief over the lack of initiatives�to fight corruption in the country, saying the presence of the scourge�is not becoming of the Islamic administration in Iran.


[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="555"] Presidential candidate Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi addresses people during a visit to the northeastern city of Birjand, South Khorasan Province, on April 25, 2017.[/caption]
The presidential contender added that if elected president, he would inform the nation and Parliament of�the breeding grounds for corruption within the first six months of his term and present any solutions�to eliminate it, �so that the people will not witness cases of corruption in the country anymore.�

He also noted that with the country's present income, extreme poverty can be eliminated and cash subsidies could be doubled or tripled for the low-income deciles.

Iran will simultaneously hold the 12th presidential election and the 5th City and Village Councils Elections on May 19. Some 55 million Iranians are eligible to vote for a new president in what is expected to be a close race.

Read more:

• Iran presidential hopeful Raeisi vows strong economic management


• Raeisi joins mix for 12th Iran presidential election