TEHRAN (Ruptly) – Saeed Mohammad (سعید محمّد), former official of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) promised positive change if elected as president, during a press conference in Tehran on Saturday.

“I strongly oppose the polarisation of society. This is a dispute that the country is constantly suffering from and is eating the country like a termite”, said Mohammed, as he outlined his vision for presidency. The Guardian Council is yet to vet the candidates.

“I do not belong to any party or faction. So far we have not had any meetings with them, we have no promises, our government will not be a corporate government”, Mohammad stated. The second brigadier general had left his earlier job as director of Khatam al-Anbiya Construction, the IRGC’s major engineering outfit.

“My entry (into the presidential election) is based on the fact that I felt the need. In the statement of the second step of the revolution, the Supreme Leader called for a change in the managerial generation”, he continued, promising the government would become a “meritocracy”.

The former official added that he expected a good turn out for the vote due to take place on June 18.

“My own prediction is over 50% turnout. There is also coronavirus and it can cause problems. Some report low statistics, 20%, 30%, etc, but I predict at least 50%”, he said.

On the issue of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as JCPOA or the Iran nuclear deal, Mohammad emphasised that if the West do “not want to implement their commitments” then Iran will not be obliged to honour the agreement. JCPOA negotiations with Iran resume on Friday.