President Hassan Rouhani hailed the "positive" economic and political achievements over the past few years as a demonstration of the country's progress, maintaining that people's participation in the upcoming elections would be a great incentive to pursue development and integrity.
The president was quoted by his official website as speaking in a meeting on Thursday with youths and elites of Semnan Province.
He highlighted the current prevalence of "security, peace and stability" in the country as a result of "solidarity, unity, hope and trust" among people and other forces.
"It was trust in God, national power, integrity and our country’s bright future, as well as confidence in high-ranking authorities and between the government and the nation that brought such glory to our country," he said.
"Today's calm in the market, people's lives, universities and streets around the country" is the outcome of the government's sustained efforts at international level, a reference to his government's drive to develop Tehran's international relations on the back of the 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.
Rouhani touched upon the constructive role of the historic deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in promoting economic interactions under a constructive atmosphere, despite attacks by opponents of the plan and critics of his administration's performance.
In a remark meant to reassure that JCPOA has not hindered Tehran's nuclear program, the chief executive said, "Sunday is National Nuclear Technology Day and it will be shown to everybody how Iran's nuclear technology has considerably smoothed the path for our country's nuclear activities and advancements."
The president noted that the "positive trade balance" is an indication of "moving toward national development".
Non-oil exports surpassing imports only happened under the government of Mohammad Mosaddeq in the early 1950s and Iran had not witnessed such a great feat since then. Rouhani stated that the propaganda against the administration and its accomplishments must not discourage or prevent people from exercising their right to vote, hoping for a "glorious" participation in the elections that would make the nation proud before the world.
"We must know that elections are vital for the stability of the Islamic Republic and if there were no elections, we would not have a state with so much stability," he said.
Iranians will go to the polls on May 19 to take part in the presidential, city council and midterm parliamentary elections.
Rouhani, who assumed office on August 3, 2013, has decided to seek reelection.
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