Disputes between factions vying for Iran’s presidency continue, especially regarding economics, as each faction accuses the other.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Tehran’s Mayor, said as he registered his candidacy, “[Iranian President Hassan] Rouhani speaks of economic conditions improving. But he would be more informed about the economic situation if he took a step out of his office. It would become crystal clear for him that only 4% of the society is happy with the status quo. The truth is that people from all walks of life are very unhappy as small and large production units are forced to shut down one after another.” Ghalibaf slammed Hassan Rouhani, describing his performance as “pointless and promotional plans” over the past 4 years.

While Ehsan Aminolroaia was being interviewed, questions about the state of Iran’s presidential election arose.

Aminolroaia, a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), was asked, “In the upcoming election, how will Iran politically respond to what question and how will it resolve the conflict? In 2013, the Iranian regime needed to respond to the issue of the nuclear deal. In year 2005, Iran wanted to spread its influence in Iraq and obtain the nuclear bomb. Therefore, the regime created a Monique ruling apparatus with Ahmadinejad’s base. What is the regime’s Supreme Leader is looking for?”

Ahmad Tavakoli, former Iranian MP, and Abbas Abdi, member of the what is known as the “reformist” camp in Iran, issued a joint statement regarding institutionalized financial and economic corruption in Iran, calling senior officials “concession greedy” and stating that “this corruption will eventually find more depth, and today we are faced with systematic and networked corruption.”

According to the Alef website, they added, “In this phase the very oversight bodies involved in the fight against corruption will become influenced and corrupt individuals and begin supporting each other in a networked manner. This in itself will become part of the reason of this situation continuing.”

In a surprise move on Wednesday, Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad filed to run in the country’s presidential election in May. He filed, despite a recommendation from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to stay out of the race.

Although many believed the election would be won by moderate President Hassan Rouhani, Ahmadinejad’s decision may upend it. Rouhani has not yet formally registered, but following Khamenei’s recommendation for Ahmadinejad to stand down in September, many viewed Rouhani as a shoe-in.