Leader Lauds “Glorious” Public Turnout in Iran Elections
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei described as “glorious” the massive participation of the Iranian nation in the country’s recent elections held on Friday.
Countrywide parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections were held in Iran on Friday.
More than 60 percent of some 55 million eligible voters cast their ballots at around 53,000 polling stations across the country.
4,844 and 161 candidates have been running for the parliament and the Assembly of Experts, respectively.
There are 290 seats in the Iranian parliament, elected by direct vote of people in nationwide election for four years.
The Assembly of Experts is also a high-ranking body that elects and oversees the activities of the leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Members of the 88-seat assembly are directly elected to office by people for an eight-year term. It holds biannual meetings to appoint a new chairman.
In a message on Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed gratitude for the aware, resolved and determined nation of Iran, saying the public turnout at Friday polls displayed “the brilliant face of religious democracy to the world.”
“I consider it my duty to express my gratitude to this public answer to the call made by the Islamic Establishment,” Ayatollah Khamenei underlined.
The Leader further asked winners of both elections, as well as the current authorities in different governmental bodies and organizations to sincerely provide services to the people and the Islamic Establishment and prefer national interests to personal or political interests.
The Leader also asked the Iranian authorities to resist foreign meddling and show proper reaction to plots hatched by ill-wishers and traitors.
“The very sensitive times of the present call for the vigilance, awareness, and conviction of everyone, especially you the authorities.” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Leader further noted that the country’s progress is the essential goal.
Earlier, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a message had admired the nation for a heroic presence in the Friday elections, and vowed that his cabinet will cooperate with the next parliament, whatever its political configuration would be.
In a message on Saturday evening, President Rouhani said the parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections provided an opportunity for Iran to once again express its might.