Leader Invites All to the Polls

EghtesadOnline: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on all those who like the country and its security to take part in the upcoming parliamentary election that is due on Feb. 21, stressing that people’s participation and their informed selections will help address domestic and foreign affair issues.

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08 February 2020

“Whoever likes dear Iran and its security, as well as the reputation of their home country and has a desire for the resolution of problems must go to the polls so as to demonstrate the Iranians’ national power and determination once again,” he said, in an address to thousands of Iranians from various strata on Wednesday, Leader.ir reported.

He said election is a great opportunity for a nation and a threat for their enemies, saying that a massive turnout at a spirited election will guarantee the security of a country because “the enemies fear public backing for an administration more than its arms hardware,” according to Financial Tribune.

The Leader added that despite the existing difficulties stemming partly from the American sanctions and partly from domestic shortcomings, people will show up at the ballots because elections are linked to the country’s reputation and security.

"Conducting multiple elections since the victory of the [1979] Islamic Revolution until now indicates the reliance of the Islamic system on people's vote," he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei also said that a "powerful Majlis" is among the requirements of a powerful country and a high turnout in elections is essential for the formation of such a parliament.

He noted that both presidential and parliamentary elections are good opportunities for the introduction of new ideas and approaches into the country's decision-making process.

President Hassan Rouhani, who spoke in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, also emphasized that people's participation is a key factor in the victory of the Islamic Revolution and remains vital to addressing the country's problems.

"The main key to solve the country's problems and to stand up to hostilities is the presence and unity of people and the trust between the people and the government," he was quoted as saying by President.ir.

A Failed Plan

In addition, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the United States’ recent plan on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, touted as the "deal of the century", describing it as “ludicrous, wicked and a failure”.

"The Americans are hopeful that by giving a big name to their plan against the Palestinian nation, it will succeed, while it is ludicrous and evil, and has backfired against them from the very beginning," he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that this is a clear indicator of the US ill nature and dishonesty.

"Americans and the Zionists have made a deal over something that does not belong to them. Palestine belongs to the Palestinians and it is up to them to make a decision about it," he said.

“Unlike what these arrogant powers want, that is to push the issue of Palestine into oblivion, the plan has revitalized the cause and called attention to the problem worldwide.”

The Leader further said the solution is "valiant resistance" of the Palestinian nation and organizations, and the full support of the Muslim world.

"The Islamic Republic … will fully support them and as much as it can, and this support is the desire of the Islamic system and the Iranian nation," he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that the only way to end the decades-long conflict is to conduct an opinion poll among all original Palestinians.

"The only solution for peace … is to ask the opinion of original Palestinians of any religion, including Muslims, Christians and Jews, so that with their public vote, their favored system would rule the whole land of Palestine," he said.

The US peace plan purportedly aims to end decades of conflict between Israel and Palestine, but is overwhelmingly in favor of the Israeli side as evidenced by the absence of Palestinians from the announcement.

The lengthy document contains conceptual maps of future Israeli and Palestinian states, but Palestine looks nothing like an integrated state in the map and consists of multiple small zones engulfed by Israel. Palestinian leaders have categorically rejected the proposals.