People of All Persuasions Urged to Vote in Elections

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on people from all walks of life to vote in the upcoming elections, saying a massive turnout would guarantee the country's immunity from foreign threats and protect national interests.  

"People can vote for any candidate they prefer, but the important issue is their presence at the polling stations to show they are ready to defend Islam and the system, and preserve the country's immunity," Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting of teachers in Tehran on Sunday to mark Teacher's Week (starting May 2), his official website reported.    

The presidential poll will be held on May 19, concurrent with the city council and midterm parliamentary elections, with over 55 million people eligible to vote.

The last presidential election in Iran in 2013 saw a 72% turnout.

"The only barrier against the animosity of the enemy is the people's presence on the [national] scene. The grandeur of an 80-million country with a talented human capital and millions of youth strikes fear in the heart of adversaries," he said.

"If this resolve and will of the people continue to exist as mighty and dignified as it is now, the enemy will never be able to do a damn thing in the face of the Iranian nation."

Ayatollah Khamenei also said a UNESCO document dubbed Global Education 2030 Agenda is not acceptable for Iran and the country would not submit to it, as it has been prepared under the influence of western powers.

The global education agenda is part of the 17th UN Sustainable Development Goals, which charts out development targets for world nations.

"Why should the so-called international community, which is certainly under the influence of the superpowers, have the right to decide for nations with various histories, cultures and civilizations?" the Leader said.

"In this country, the base is Islam and Qur'an. This is not where the flawed, destructive and corrupt western lifestyle can infiltrate."