Iranian lawmakers have opened discussions on whether to reform the country's election laws.
The changes which are being considered by Iran's 290-seat parliament, or Majlis, aim to introduce tougher prerequisites for those looking to contest the country's presidential election next year.
One of the changes being considered is that candidates must be aged 45-75 and must have either a master's degree or an equivalent from a seminary of a traditional Islamic higher education institution.
Other changes could see candidates needing the approval of 25 religious experts and written approval from 100 members of parliament before being granted the right to contest the elections.
Lawmakers are expected to vote on the reforms at a parliamentary session on November 21.
Iran's next presidential election is scheduled for June 14, 2013.
President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who is in his second term, is barred from running.
The changes which are being considered by Iran's 290-seat parliament, or Majlis, aim to introduce tougher prerequisites for those looking to contest the country's presidential election next year.
One of the changes being considered is that candidates must be aged 45-75 and must have either a master's degree or an equivalent from a seminary of a traditional Islamic higher education institution.
Other changes could see candidates needing the approval of 25 religious experts and written approval from 100 members of parliament before being granted the right to contest the elections.
Lawmakers are expected to vote on the reforms at a parliamentary session on November 21.
Iran's next presidential election is scheduled for June 14, 2013.
President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who is in his second term, is barred from running.
