Hundreds register for Iran's presidential race

Four prominent Iranian politicians have joined hundreds of potential candidates who have applied to run in the June 14 presidential election.

The race will pick a successor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term, and offer a critical test for reformists battered after years of crackdowns.

The four who submitted their candidacies today are: liberal-leaning former vice president Mohammad Reza Aref; former Revolutionary Guard chief Mohsen Rezaei; lawmaker Ali Reza Zakani and Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, an ally of Tehran's mayor.

So far, 366 names are registered. Tomorrow is the final day for applications.
 

The hard-line Guardian Council, a constitutional watchdog, will vet the applicants before allowing them to run. The list of candidates will be announced later this month.