Skip to content

31 فروردین 1375

Interview with the Supreme Leader during the Voting Ceremony of the Second Round of the Fifth Parliamentary Elections

2 min read344 words

Summary

Khamenei emphasizes the importance of participating in the second round of parliamentary elections, urging voters to fulfill their civic duty with sincerity.

Translation note: This English text is a machine-assisted translation of the Persian transcript published by the Office of the Supreme Leader (leader.ir). For exact wording, consult the Persian original below or the linked source.

Reading room
Text size

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I express to all our dear people that the importance of the second round of elections is no less than the first round. In fact, in some respects, it can be said that the importance of this stage is even greater than the first. My recommendation is that, firstly, people should hasten to the ballot boxes and cast their votes as early as possible. That is, 'the best of good deeds is the one done promptly and in its time.'

Secondly, they should strive to write the exact number of votes required, no less. For example, in the Tehran constituency, the names of twenty-eight people must be written on the ballot. They should try to write the names of twenty-eight people, not twenty-seven or fewer. Or, suppose in some cities, votes must be cast for five people, and in some cities for two people. They should write the exact number required and not less.

The third recommendation is our constant advice, which is that the voter should remember the name of the person so that when they want to write that name on the ballot, they intend to draw near to God. They should truly intend to elect someone who can be sent to the parliament for God and religion. This matter is important. Here, other considerations and formalities should be set aside. They should see what pleases Almighty God, because the parliament is important, and the issue of the parliament is not a small matter; it is the destiny of the nation.

I also extend my greetings to all our dear nation, who, thanks be to God, have excelled in various tests, and I hope and have prayed extensively that, God willing, they will also excel in this test. I sincerely thank you gentlemen who are making efforts—whether you gentlemen of the news and reporting unit, those involved in the elections, or those who observe various aspects to maintain calm and ensure a healthy electoral environment.

God willing, you will be successful.

Historical context

Delivered on April 19, 1996 (31 Farvardin 1375 in the Iranian calendar), during the presidency of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (1989–1997).

Speech 455 of 1,818 in this archive, and one of 30 speeches from 1996. Browse all speeches from the 1990s

Other speeches from April 1996