June 7, 2009 4:26 pm

Pictures from the campaign trail

As Iran prepares to vote for a new president, supporters for the incumbent and challenger show their allegiance.

The FT presents a selection of pictures from the campaign trail.

IN Middle East & North Africa

Photographs: Zohreh Soleimani

The poster of presdient Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad, who seeks re-election, is hung up near the main theatre hall in central Tehran. Mr Ahmadi-Nejad says that posters and banners in town are provided by his supporters.
The posters of Mir-Hossein Moussavi, Mr Ahmadi-Nejad's top rival, are pasted on the window of one of his campaign centres in Vali-Asr street, central Tehran. The pictures of Mohammad Khatami highlight the support the former reformist president has given him.
Big banners of Mehdi Karroubi, a reformist candidate, are in many main streets of Tehran. Although Mr Karroubi enjoys a significant number of votes, he is believed to be still behind Mr Ahmadi-Nejad and Mr Moussavi.
Supporters of Mr Ahmadi-Nejad at a women-only campaign rally in Azadi sports hall last week. Mr Ahmadi-Nejad's campaign managers have taken the Iranian flag as the symbol of nationalism against the green flag used by the supporters of Mr Moussavi.
Mr Ahmadi-Nejad, who is making his campaign emotional by showing up with children and women, attended a rally of his women supporters last week. The woman in full black Islamic cover on his left side is his wife.
Thousands of young supporters of Mr Moussavi gather in Azadi stadium while use the green wrist bands and flags. The green colour which highlights the Seyyed status of Mr Moussavi meaning he is a descendant of prophet Mohammad has helped create excitement amongst the youth.
Students at Amir-Kabir university welcome Mr Karroubi with placards which shows his main slogans of "Change For Iran". The students also carry the pictures of classmates who are in jail and urge Mr Karroubi to help release them.
Mr Moussavi attends a women-only gathering in Bahman Cultural Centre, in a poor neighbourhood in southern Tehran. His wife, Zahra Rahnavard who has become an unusual female presence in the presidential race by accompanying her husband to rallies, waves to the crowd.
Mr Ahmadi-Nejad who normally does not show up with his wife in public gatherings, attends a rally of his women supporters with Iran's first lady. It comes after Mr Moussavi, in an unusual step, has involved his wife in his campaign.
Mr Karroubi prepares to talk to the students at the mosque of Amir-Kabir University. He was initially barred from entering the university, but students broke the gate and let him in.
A young supporter of Mr Moussavi gives out leaflets to passers by in Azadi square, western Tehran.
Women supporters of Mr Ahmadi-Nejad who have travelled from western Ilam province to Tehran to attend a campaign rally for the president.
Two female supporters of Mr Moussavi at a campaign rally in Tehran.
Conservative religious women at a rally for Mr Ahmadi-Nejad show a lot of support for the president, while they also carry the pictures of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader.
Women at a rally in Bahman cultural centre, southern Tehran.
The posters of Mr Ahmadi-Nejad, Mr Moussavi and Mr Karroubi are torn up by people in Enghelab street, central Tehran. There are a significant number of people who do not consider voting to be a priority.
Supporters of Mr Moussavi at a campaign rally in Azadi stadium in Tehran.
The supporters of Mr Ahmadi-Nejad gather in Vali-Asr square, central Tehran, where the president delivers a speech on a religious occasion.
A young supporter of Mr Moussavi at a rally in southern Tehran.

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