Chairman of Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said the political approach of Iran is based on "religious moderation".
Rafsanjani said on Sunday groups that kill innocent people, destroy homes and enslave women are presenting a distorted image of Islam to the world, while pointing to the inhumane actions of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda, Islamic State, Boko Haram, al-Nusra Front and others, IRNA reported.
He said an Islamic government lets people be free and does not limit them.
"God says to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) [in Quran] that you should just deliver the message and not force them [to do what you say], because I created people free to see the gains and losses of their choices and correct themselves and the community to achieve happiness," he said.
Rafsanjani stressed the importance of the two upcoming elections of Majlis and Assembly of Experts, urging all participating parties to act in accordance with the constitution and avoid extreme decisions.
Elections are scheduled to be held concurrently on February 26, 2016, in which one-third of the votes will be cast through electronic machines.
"Political parties should encourage people to vote by coming up with political, social, cultural and economic plans," he said.
The condition for the victory of people in a democracy is their mass participation in elections, he said, adding that if voter turnout is high, "radical" elements will be defeated.
Referring to the international and domestic effects of a "popular election", Rafsanjani noted that it is the criterion of people's adherence to the system.
Candidates may register for the Assembly of Experts elections from December 17 to 23 and for the Majlis from December 19 to 25, and they would be able to canvass for votes from February 18 to 25, 2016.
