News ID : 180596
Publish Date : 7/5/2024 8:35:19 AM
Leader hails people's participation

Leader casts vote in Iran’s runoff presidential election

Leader hails people's participation

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has hailed the Iranian people's "active involvement" in the presidential election as polls opened nationwide Friday.

"Thank God this is a good day; the day of participation and active involvement of our dear people in a significant national event: the elections," Ayatollah Khamenei said after casting his ballot at a polling station in Tehran.

"I have heard that the enthusiasm has grown among people and if true it would be heartening," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

Polling places opened at 8 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Friday and will close at 6 p.m. (1430 GMT), but the Interior Ministry may extend this time if needed.

The runoff election is happening because no candidate won a clear majority in the June 28 vote.

"Our dear people will cast their votes and make the best choice, Inshallah," he said.

At this stage, it's crucial for everyone to be even more determined to complete this process and elect the next president, Ayatollah Khamenei added.

"May the nation thrive and prosper, and may all those who are contributing to this effort be blessed with divine grace and kindness," prayed the Leader.

Candidates Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili emerged as frontrunners, yet neither succeeded in obtaining an outright majority, necessitating the current runoff.

Pezeshkian has a background as a health minister and is a legislator from Tabriz in the northwest. Jalili holds experience as a diplomat and the chief nuclear negotiator.

This election will choose a new president after President Raisi passed away in a helicopter crash on May 19.

Mohsen Eslami, the election headquarters spokesperson, said on Thursday that there are 58,640 polling stations, the same as before. He also said that early results could be announced by Saturday morning. The election headquarters has confirmed that 61 million people can vote.


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