Imam Khamenei Backs Up Constitutional Council, Urges Iranians to Participate In June 18 Presidential Election

By Staff, Agencies

On the first anniversary of the inauguration of the 11th Majlis [Iranian Praliament], Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei held an online video conference with the members of the Iranian Parliament on Thursday, in which he backed up the Constitutional Council against recent criticism of its disqualification of some presidential hopefuls.

At the beginning of his speech, Imam Khamenei emphasized the importance of the upcoming presidential election, saying that the election is held in one day, but the effect lasts for several years, then His Eminence addressed the Iranian nation, calling them to participate in the elections, consider the elections as their own, and ask God to help them choose a deserved and right one.

Imam Khamenei said the Constitutional Council’s work was based on legal duties.

“The respected Constitutional Council did what it had to  do and what it deemed necessary to do as its duty, [and] determined the candidates,” His Eminence said.

“Dear Iranian nation! Election takes place in one day, but its outcome is there for several years. Participate in the election! Consider the election as belonging to yourselves, because it does belong to you,” Imam Khamenei said.

“Do not heed the words of these people who propagate that ‘[taking part] is futile, let’s not go- we won’t go to the ballot box.’ These don’t have the people’s interests in mind. Anyone who does would never ask people not to go to the ballot box,” His Eminence added.

While strongly supporting the legal measures of the Guardian Council, Imam Khamenei said that the presence of powerful and efficient managers, who solve the main problems of the country, is a key factor in increasing the participation of the people in the elections.

He also thanked the candidates who were not qualified, but they respected the decision of the Guardian Council.

His Eminence also spoke about the overall performance of Iran’s 11th Majlis in the past year. The parliament has shown in the past year that it is both hard-working, ambitious, and efficient, Imam Khamenei stressed.