President Hassan Rouhani said all those who want to serve the public interests should run for the upcoming elections of Majlis and Assembly of Experts scheduled to be held concurrently on Feb. 26.
Rouhani made the statement in a meeting with provincial officials in Mashhad on Friday, IRNA reported.
He underlined the role of electoral officials in creating a calm atmosphere for holding a healthy, fair and lawful election.
Pointing to the high status of parliament in Iran, the president hoped that a "stronger" parliament be formed to defend the foundations of the system and the rights of the nation.
Rouhani said that given the current situation of the Middle East and the world, a popular election would reflect the power of Iranian nation in the region and be a source of pride in the international arena.
He expressed optimism that the Majlis elections will manifest the unity and solidarity of Iranians.
Head of Elections Headquarters Mohammad Hossein Moqimi said that following the decree of Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, the process of implementing the fifth Assembly of Experts elections was started on Friday.
He added that executive boards of elections will be formed in all constituencies by Dec. 16.
For the first time, one-third of the votes will be cast using electronic voting machines.
There are currently 290 seats in the Iranian Parliament, elected by the direct vote of people in nationwide elections for four years.
The Assembly of Experts is also a high-ranking body that elects and oversees the performance of the Leader of Islamic Revolution.
Members of the assembly are directly elected to office by people for an eight-year term. It holds biannual meetings to appoint a new chairman.
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.
