Leader Urges Strong Turnout in Elections
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called on eligible Iranian voters to strongly take part in the March 1 elections to help address the country’s problems and show the world that the nation is present in vital scenes.
On the eve of the 12th parliament and 6th Assembly of Experts elections, a group of first-time voters as well as the families of martyrs met with Ayatollah Khamenei in Tehran on Wednesday.
In remarks at the meeting, the Leader said if the Iranian nation shows the world that they are present in decisive scenes, they will save the country and contribute to Iran’s progress.
“Strong and fervent elections constitute one of the pillars of running the country properly,” the Leader said. “If we can show the world that the nation is present in the country’s critical and decisive scenes, we have saved and moved the country forward.”
Pointing to some people’s indifference to the vote, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “I am not accusing anyone, but I remind all that we should look at the elections from the perspective of national interests, not from the viewpoints of factions and groups.”
“Anyone who loves Iran, their nation and security should know that if the elections are poorly held, no one will benefit and everyone will be hurt,” the Leader said, Press TV reported.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the presence of Iranian voters at the polls bespeaks “national power,” noting that the country’s adversaries are closely watching the event.
“National security is all that matters. If there is no security, there remains nothing (else). The enemy is opposed to our national power. Therefore, they oppose everything that is a manifestation of national power, including elections," the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei hailed elections as an “opportunity” that should be seized, saying the vote not only benefits the country, but also disappoints the country’s enemies.
There are currently 290 seats in the Iranian Parliament, known as Majlis, elected by direct vote of people in nationwide elections for four years.
The Assembly of Experts is a high-ranking body that elects and oversees the activities of the Leader of the 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.
