Jamal Araf, the head of the Electoral Board at the Ministry of Interior, told the media that the registered candidates have been sent to the Guardian Council for approval, and the expected result of their vetting is on the sixth of the Persian month of Khordad (May 27). However Araf added that the Guardian Council may make an announcement earlier if it takes less time. Only 592 people nominated for this election, down from 1,636 in the last election four years ago. This drop in numbers reflects the effect of COVID on the country, but also may reflect the general disillusionment in Iranian society regarding the political process.