Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Following Participation in the Fourteenth Presidential Election

The text of the question and answer session between the reporter of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution following participation in the fourteenth presidential election.

Reporter: I extend my greetings and respect to the esteemed, revered, and wise leader of the Islamic Revolution. May your morning be good and blessed, God willing, and may it be accompanied by health and well-being. We honor the memory of the martyrs of service, especially our martyred president, dear Raisi, whose absence we mourn as we hold the fourteenth presidential election today.

Your Excellency spoke about the epic of elections on the fourteenth of Khordad and emphasized the importance of increasing participation and maximum involvement for the dignity of Iran and a strong Iran on the occasion of Eid al-Ghadir. Now that we are in the early minutes of the voting process in the fourteenth presidential election, what is your final recommendation for those who are still hesitant about participating in the elections or have not made a definitive decision?

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I pray to the Almighty God for the best days and years and the highest blessings for our dear nation.

Election day is a day of joy and happiness for us Iranians, especially when it is for selecting a president, as the future of the country for the coming years is determined by this choice of the people. However, I believe there is an important matter alongside this, which is the enthusiastic presence of the people and the increase in the number of voters; this is an absolute necessity for the Islamic Republic. The word 'Republic' in 'Islamic Republic' indicates that the presence of the people is inherent in the essence of this system; therefore, the survival of the Islamic Republic, its strength, dignity, and reputation in the world depend on the presence of the people. That is why we recommend that our dear people take the issue of voting seriously, participate in this important political test. And regarding your mention of some being hesitant, I find no reason for doubt. This is an easy task that has significant results. Why should a person hesitate to do something that has no cost, no effort, no time consumption, no pressure, yet has many benefits? They should not hesitate. Especially considering the point I mentioned, that the strength of the Islamic Republic depends on the presence of the people, and to prove the integrity and honesty of the Islamic Republic, the presence of the people is a necessary and obligatory matter.

I hope, God willing, that the Almighty God decrees the best and most beneficial choice for this country, and that the coming years, God willing, will be good and desirable, and that the people will be satisfied with their choice.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.