Enemies Wish to See Low Turnout in Iran’s Election, Rouhani Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani urged people’s massive participation in Friday’s presidential election, saying it would disappoint enemies and ill-wishers who wish to see a low turnout.
“Many of the adversaries and ill-wishers want to see empty lines (in polling stations) tomorrow. Let us add another golden page to the pages of the country’s history and not allow their wish to come true,” Rouhani said Thursday, speaking at a videoconference ceremony held to inaugurate a number of health and medical projects.
Going to polling stations and casting ballots is very important, he stressed, describing it as a national duty.
On Wednesday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei described participation in elections as “an act of virtue”, saying a massive turnout would make the country stronger.
He said American and English media, together with their “mercenaries,” had been attempting to drive a wedge between the Iranian people and establishment by trying to discourage people from participating in the presidential election “because staying away from elections is staying away from the establishment.”
“But the bulk of the people have shown that whatever… (the foreign media) say, the people will do the opposite,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Leader added that a high turnout in elections meant that the establishment has popular support, which he said would have a “unique impact” on Iran’s might internationally.
Iran is holding its 13th presidential election on Friday, June 18. Three candidates have dropped out of the race, but four others are still running. Over 59.3 million Iranians are eligible to vote in the election, according to the Interior Ministry.
