High turnout in presidential poll will guarantee the country’s progress: Supreme Leader

TEHRAN,May 7(MNA) – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on the Iranian people to turn out in large numbers for the upcoming presidential election, saying a high turnout will guarantee that the country continues to make progress. The Leader made the remarks in Tehran on Monday during a meeting with a number of organizers of the 11th presidential election and the fourth city council elections, which are scheduled to be held simultaneously on June 14. Candidates registered for the city council elections from April 15 to 21, and the registration of candidates for the presidential election starts today and ends on May 11. In his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the people’s participation in the presidential election will consolidate the foundations of the Islamic system. “Certain people made efforts to dampen enthusiasm for the election, or delay it, but, through the grace of God, they failed and will get nowhere in the future,” he added. He also stated that a president must be conscientious and prudent and must uphold values, stand up to the enemies, and abide by the law. In addition, the Leader called on those tasked with organizing and conducting the election to fulfill their responsibilities effectively to prevent electoral irregularities from occurring. Ayatollah Khamenei condemns desecration of sahaba’s tomb in Syria Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the recent desecration of the tomb of Hujr ibn Adi, a close companion (sahaba) of Prophet Mohammad (S), by Syrian rebels in the Damascus suburb of Adra. He also criticized the international organizations that have remained silent about the incident.