Following the epic turnout for the 12th Presidential election and the 5th Islamic city council election, Ayatollah Khamenei—the Leader of the Islamic Revolution—issued a message, wherein His Eminence expressed gratitude towards the Iranian people and made a few important points. The following is the full text of that message:
In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Dear Iranian People,
The phenomenal election event that occurred yesterday, once again, demonstrated the brilliance of our national willpower and determination before the eyes of the world. Your massive turnout and enthusiastic participation at the polling stations--which involved people from all social backgrounds forming long lines to casts ballots—was a clear sign of strength within Islamic democracy’s foundation, and also revealed a major attachment to this great divine blessing. It brought honor and dignity to Iran and the Iranians who were tested on this field of action.
Yesterday—with such a massive turnout, casting more than forty million votes—a new record was made during the presidential elections, which showcased the increasing progress of the Iranian nation in the realm of participation and powerful emergence. Islamic Iran once again deterred those who wished wrongfully and spitefully against them, they filled the hearts of friends and admirers with joy and pride. The winners to arise out of yesterday’s election are... you, the Iranian people, and the Islamic Republic, which--despite the enemies’ plots and efforts--has managed to increasingly attract the trust of this great nation, displaying a new brilliance each time.
The outstanding test yesterday was not only about having a massive turnout: the peace, calm, and composure of the participants which guaranteed the security of the elections were also an important part of this amazing test. People from all walks of life, all tastes, all political inclinations took to this political stage, and side by side they voted in favor of the Islamic Republic.
I—humble before the Almighty God—prostrate in gratitude and seek God for beneficence, mercy, and a worthy reward for the Iranian nation. I offer my greetings and sincere admiration before Hazrat Baqiyatallah (may our souls be sacrificed for him). Finally, I would like to remind everyone on a few points:
First, I ask the dear people to thank God for the successful carrying out of the elections; and after days and weeks of fervor before the elections, I ask them to now think of public unity and concord--as this is, undoubtedly, a factor in national forte and power. You are all protected by the Islamic Republic, as you are the sons and daughters of this prideful country; try to know of and fulfill your share of responsibilities in order to move the country towards greater goals: To fulfill all national desires is tied into such an outlook and acting in such a manner.
Secondly, I advise and urge the respected president and all those who are going to be part of the next administration to put themselves into enthusiastic, thoughtful, and youthful work to solve the country’s problems and not to neglect them for a second term on this path. Caring for the weaker classes, paying attention to villagers and poor regions, minding priorities, tackling social corruptions and predicaments should be on top of their agendas.
Third, National dignity and observing wisdom in establishing global relations as well as commitment to [protecting the country’s] international power are among the first priorities of revolutionary and Islamic management.
Fourth, I feel it necessary to thank each and every one of the participants in this election event, as well as those who played a role in persuading them to participate; particularly, religious scholars, and intellectuals from political, cultural and artistic fields.
Fifth, I feel it is necessary to thank the presidential candidates who played an influential role in enlightening and creating enthusiasm within the election.
Sixth, I feel it necessary to thank all those who were involved in the implementation and monitoring of the presidential election, as well as city council elections, as they bore tremendous efforts.
Seventh, I feel it necessary to express my gratitude towards those who protected and secured the elections, as well as the national media--thanks to their round-the-clock and artistic efforts, this great election turnout took place.
Eighth, I finally invite myself and everyone to piety and effort on the path of performing the divine and the social duties; and commitment to the path of the revolution, which is the precious legacy of the Great Imam Khomeini and the lofty martyrs; and I ask God to bestow joy upon their souls and to elevate their ranks.
God’s greeting and mercy be upon you
Sayyid Ali Khamenei
May 20, 2017
