On 7 May 2013, Rouhani registered for the presidential election that was held on 14 June 2013. He said that, if elected, he will prepare a "civil rights charter", restore the economy and improve rocky relations with the West. As early vote counts began coming in, Rouhani took a large lead. He was elected as President of Iran on 15 June, defeating Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He took office on 3 August 2013.