Iran's presidential race campaigns kick off

Candidates in Iran's presidential elections next month have begin campaigning across the country. Banners and posters are appearing on the streets of the capitalwith the four main contenders calling for a high voter turnout.

The stage has been set.

Iran's incumbent president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is seeking a second term.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, he vowed to maintain his anti-West stance.

"Four years ago, we promised something to each other and moved on until today. Are you still ready to continue? (Crowd: Yes)"

Ahmadinejad criticized ex-president Mohammad Khatami's policy of detente, which he says led to the closure of nuclear facilities.

Ahmadinejad said that as long as his government is in power, no document will be signed against the nation's interest.

The current president is facing strong challenges from three other candidates, who criticize his handling of the economy and the nuclear issue.

One of them is Mir Hossein Mousavi.

The former prime minister is seen as the leading challenger to Ahmadinejad.

He says he would reshape Iran's policies and restore the country's dignity.

Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi said, "The issue of inflation control must be one of the system's and government's priorities, which it is not. In addition to that, we have the problem of unemployment. You and I know well what consequences it has had in southern parts of the city and in other towns of the country."

The other candidates, Mahdi Karroubi and Mohsen Rezaei, have also called for change.

Reformists are calling for a high turnout in the elections, hoping to end Ahmadinejad's era.