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Elections should lift Iran’s international standing: Majlis speaker

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Iranian Majlis speaker describes “elections” and “people’s presence on the scene” as among the main pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying elections should promote the country’s international status.

Speaking to reporters after casting his votes for Iran’s 11th presidential and 4th city and rural council elections on Friday, Ali Larijani said people’s presence on the political arena sends the message that they continue to support the Islamic establishment 34 years after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

“The elections should [lead to] domestic changes in the country and improve economic conditions, and change our position on the international stage and help the Islamic Awakening movement,” the top Iranian parliamentarian stated.

Iran’s economic situation makes it all the more necessary for people to make their choice “carefully,” so that it would be possible to resolve the problems under the new circumstances and have a “positive impact on international issues,” he added.

Larijani further said that Iran is facing pressure on the international stage and popular support would further energize the Islamic establishment to secure a desirable status in the world.

Meanwhile, Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani also told reporters after casting his vote that the wise Iranian nation would once again create a “major epic.”

“Massive presence of the [Iranian] people in the elections will be the Islamic establishment’s key weapon in facing Western countries,” Amoli Larijani said.

Prudent Iranian people are well aware that the country is facing a “special situation,” said the top judge.

He stated that enemies have tried their best to create voter apathy, but to no avail.

The judiciary chief emphasized that the Iranian nation will stand firm on its ideals and will never give up the lofty objectives of the Islamic Revolution.

The Iranians began casting their ballots at 8:00 am (0330 GMT) on Friday with the polls scheduled to remain open for ten hours. The time can be extended if necessary.

Six candidates, namely President of the Expediency Council’s Center for Strategic Research Hassan Rohani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili, Secretary of the Expediency Council Mohsen Rezaei, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati, and former Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Gharazi are running in the presidential election.

Over 200,000 candidates are also running for city and rural council elections.

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