Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls for High Turnout in Parliamentary Elections
Tehran, Feb 19 (IANS) Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has urged for a high voter turnout in the upcoming parliamentary and clerical body elections scheduled for March 1. Khamenei emphasized the importance of participation in the elections as the main pillar of the Islamic Republic and the path to the country’s reforms. He made the call during a meeting with people from the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan in Tehran.
The 12th parliamentary and sixth Assembly of Experts elections in Iran are crucial as the 290-seat parliament holds the power to pass laws and oversee the government, while the 88-member Assembly of Experts is empowered to appoint the Supreme Leader. The elections are considered vital for the functioning and progress of the Islamic Republic.
According to Iran’s Constitutional Council Spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif, a total of 14,912 candidates have been approved to run for parliament after a vetting process. Similarly, 144 candidates will be competing for the Assembly of Experts, which is elected for an eight-year term.
Khamenei stressed the significance of utilizing the elections as a platform for solving problems and urged the citizens to participate and use their voting rights. The Supreme Leader’s appeal for a high turnout in the elections indicates the government’s emphasis on democratic participation and the voice of the people in shaping the future of the Islamic Republic.
The elections are a crucial juncture for Iran’s political landscape and it remains to be seen how the voter turnout and results will impact the functioning and reforms in the country. With the nation gearing up for the upcoming elections, all eyes are on March 1 to witness the democratic process in action in Iran.
–IANS
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