Backgrounder: Ahmadinejad runs against Mousavi

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In this year's Iranian presidential election, conservatives are pitted against reformists.

The front runners are the incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and a former prime minister, Mir Hossein Mousavi. Iranians will decide whether to stay the conservative course, or elect a moderate reformist.

Election fever grips Iran.

Four candidates are standing for election. But polls suggest only the incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi have a real chance.

The two are facing off in an unprecedented series of debates.

Mir Hossein Mousavi, Iran Presidential Candidate, said, "Truly when it comes to foreign relations, we have altered our country's reputation, and have damaged it -- we have shamed our country, and this has hurt us."

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran President, said, "I'm not fighting against one candidate. I'm standing against a combination led by Rafsanjani and with the cooperation of Mousavi and Khatami."

The two leading contenders have little in common. Mousavi is backed by Tehran's educated urban elite; The majority of Ahmadinejad's socially conservative supporters live in the countryside.

Iran's president and candidate for presidential elections Mahmoud Ahmadinejad talks to the people during the final rally on Azadi street in west Tehran, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)