Iranians across the country are participating in parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections, with Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, urging a strong voter turnout to both please supporters and deter adversaries. Polls opened at 8 a.m. local time, with over 61 million eligible voters nationwide.
Ayatollah Khamenei led by example, casting his ballot early at a polling station in Tehran. Following his vote, he expressed hopes for a successful day for the Iranian nation, emphasizing the global attention on the elections and urging citizens to make their voices heard.
Reiterating his past advice, Ayatollah Khamenei encouraged voters to participate early and to choose a full slate of candidates in their respective constituencies. He emphasized the significance of the elections in shaping Iran's future and sending a message to both friends and adversaries.
President Ebrahim Raeisi also highlighted the importance of the elections as a national celebration and a symbol of unity. He underscored the decisive nature of the people's vote in determining the country's direction and praised the diverse participation of political groups.
Raeisi emphasized that participation itself is a victory for democracy, regardless of individual electoral outcomes. He emphasized that all candidates have fulfilled their duty by participating in the democratic process.
In the parliamentary elections, voters will select 290 members to serve for a four-year term from a pool of over 15,000 candidates. The elections represent a key moment for Iranian democracy and the future direction of the country.
