[custom_adv] An engineer and teacher from a poor background, ideologically shaped by thinkers such as Navvab Safavi, Jalal Al-e-Ahmad and Ahmad Fardid, Ahmadinejad joined the Office for Strengthening Unity after the Revolution. [custom_adv] He was also the main political leader of the Alliance of Builders of , a coalition of conservative political groups in the country. [custom_adv] Appointed a provincial governor, he was removed after the election of President Mohammad Khatami and returned to teaching. [custom_adv] He took a religious hard line, reversing reforms of previous moderate mayors. His 2005 presidential campaign, supported by the Alliance of Builders, garnered 62% of the runoff election votes, and he became President on 3 August 2005. [custom_adv] Tehran's council elected him mayor in 2003. [custom_adv] During his presidency, Ahmadinejad was a controversial figure within Iran, as well as internationally. He has been criticized domestically for his economic policies and disregard for human rights. [custom_adv] During his presidency, Ahmadinejad was a controversial figure within Iran, as well as internationally. He has been criticized domestically for his economic policies and disregard for human rights.