Tehran – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says a high turnout of the Iranian nation in the 9th Majlis elections will play an effective role in maintaining Iran’s security and prestige.

According to Press TV, Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks after casting his vote for the 9th parliamentary elections at a polling station in Tehran on Friday.

The Leader emphasized that voting is a duty to be fulfilled and a right of all the Iranian people.

Ayatollah Khamenei added that elections have always been significant and played a determining role for the country and the Islamic establishment, and have always conveyed a message to foes and friends.

The Leader stated that the arrogant powers are spreading propaganda and threats against the Islamic Republic to deny their failures.

The Leader added that they resort to impose sanctions and raise human rights issues against Iran.

However, the vigorous participation of the Iranian nation in the elections will send a message to hegemonic powers and will be beneficial for the country’s future.

The 9th Majlis elections since the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution officially started across Iran at 08:00 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) on Friday.

Iran's Guardian Council, charged with supervising the elections, approved the competence of 3,454 candidates.