Special Report: Iran Nuclear Crisis

    TEHRAN, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Ali-Reza Afshar announced on Sunday that the date for Iran's presidential election has been fixed for June 12, 2009, the official IRNA news agency reported.

    "Based on a proposal of the Interior Ministry and the approval of the Guardian Council, the election for the 10th round of presidency will be held on June 12, 2009," Afshar was quoted as saying.

    Majlis by-election would also be held on the same day, Afshar said, adding that according to the Elections Law, "all candidates should resign from their executive positions six months prior to the elections."

    Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who took office in 2005 can run for a second term, according to Iran's Constitution.

    IRNA reported in late August that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asked Ahmadinejad to prepare for a second term in office.

    "Do not think that this year is your final year," Khamenei told Ahmadinejad, "Work as if you will stay in charge for five years. In other words, imagine that in addition to this year, another four years will be under your management, and plan and act accordingly."

    Ahmadinejad has been facing criticism from the public and pro- reform opponents over the country's economy and rising inflation.

    Iran's inflation rate hit about 27 percent recently, leaving price hikes the biggest problem for ordinary Iranians.

    Khamenei has told Ahmadinejad's government to control inflation.