Voter Turnout Means Honor and Dignity

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called for maximum participation in the Friday elections, saying a "massive popular epic" will help boost the nation's dignity and honor. Three concurrent elections are set for Friday: presidential, city council and midterm parliamentary polls.  

Speaking in a meeting with a large gathering of people from all walks of life in Tehran on Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei said the vote would draw the close attention of two groups in the world.  

"On the one hand, leaders in the US and Europe, regional governments following the US lead and Zionist officials will be watching how Iranians enter the election scene," the Leader's own official website quoted him as saying.        

“On the other, peoples of the region will be seeing admiringly and enviously one more time the grandeur and freedom of people in an Islamic system with religious democracy.” Ayatollah Khamenei added that the judgment of the two groups would be premised on the people’s turnout on elections day.

“[With a heavy turnout], regardless of who gets the most votes, the real winner would be the people and the Islamic Republic system,” he said.  The Leader stressed the need for rule of law to be observed before, during and after the vote, urging the electorate, supporters of candidates and their campaign staff to uphold discipline.

Ayatollah Khamenei also called on the organizations and those in charge of the elections and its security to keep a watchful eye on Friday’s vote.

“These bodies are trustworthy and highly coordinated with each other. However, I must say once again that people’s ballots are a thing given in trust.”