TEHRAN – The enemy is seeking to create obstacles to undermine Iran’s efforts to hold a vibrant presidential election, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in reference to the presidential election, which is scheduled to be held on June 14, during a meeting with a number of people from the city of Qom in Tehran on Tuesday.
“The tangible aim of the enemy is to create obstacles… (to prevent) an enthusiastic high turnout in the election,” he said, adding, “Those people who feel duty-bound to give advice about the election should be careful not to help the enemy achieve this end.”
The Leader criticized certain political figures for repeatedly talking about a “free election” and said that it is clear that a free election should be held.
“Have over 30 elections over the past three decades not been free? In which country are elections freer?”
“Be careful that your remarks do not discourage the people,” he advised them.
He also criticized certain people for trying to give the impression that the election will not be sound, saying that such remarks will help the hegemonistic powers achieve their goals.
In addition, he said that effective mechanisms have been established to ensure that a sound election will be held.
On the enemy’s plots to depress the turnout for the election, the Leader said that some people may try to divert attention from the election through causing an incident or creating an economic, political, or security scenario.
“But I am sure that the Iranian nation is insightful and smart enough not to be deceived by such hostile tricks of the enemies or their elements,” he stated.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said that presidential candidates should be competent enough to carry out administrative duties, should be truly loyal to the Islamic system and the Constitution, and should really intend to implement the Constitution.
Commenting on the sanctions imposed by Western countries on Iran, he said that the arrogant governments have united to impose sanctions on the country to tax the Iranian nation’s patience.
“Unlike in the past, the hegemons are (now) explicitly stating that the sanctions are meant to strain the people’s patience, incite the people to oppose the Islamic Republic, and increase the pressure on Iranian officials in order to alter the officials’ calculations,” he noted.
