Presidential Hopefuls Urged to Prioritize the Underprivileged

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei advised the six contenders running for the May 19 presidential poll to prioritize the disadvantaged and pledge to support them if elected.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the statement while addressing a gathering of workers on the eve of International Workers' Day, May 1, according to a transcript posted on Leader.ir.

The field of candidates is almost equally divided between incumbent President Hassan Rouhani and reformists Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri and former industries minister, Mostafa Hashemitaba, and their principlist rivals, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former prosecutor general Ebrahim Raeisi and former culture minister, Mostafa Mirsalim.  

They launched their campaigns on April 21 and have until 24 hours before the election to canvass for votes.  

Ayatollah Khamenei said the candidates should be aware that settlement of difficulties facing the country is only feasible through "revolutionary" management.

"Since the first day, the next chief executive and economic officials should focus on [alleviating] unemployment," he said, adding that boosting domestic production in agriculture, industries and services sectors is crucial for creating jobs.

Increased production and higher employment are key requirements for the realization of Resistance Economy, a set of principles aimed at making the country invulnerable to economic wars waged by foreign powers.

The concept was first raised by the Leader in 2011 and it was the motto for the previous year as well as for the current year, which is designated as "Resistance Economy: Employment and Production".

The Leader also called on over 55 million eligible Iranians to cast their ballots, saying their maximum participation helps keep the country safe and fend off the threat of war.

He noted that the fear of people's presence prevents the impertinent and bulling adversaries from taking any military action against Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran's enemies will be emboldened, if they believe there is a gap between the nation and the establishment.

"Everyone who loves the country, the system and security should go to the polls. Their decisive presence will rid the country of [the enemies'] evil plans."