Leader of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here on Friday urged Iranian people to rush to the polls to choose their representatives, thereby to thwart the enemies' plots.
Speaking to thousands of worshipers at Tehran Friday prayers, the leader stated a high turnout in the upcoming elections would be a slap in the enemies' face and disappoint them in pursuing their evil ploys.
The Leader praised the Iranian people from all walks of life for their participation in the massive rallies held on February 11 to mark the 25th victory anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the holding of the seventh parliamentary elections is of prime importance, noting both the friends and enemies of the Islamic Revolution are scrutinizing the election.
Every zealous Iranian is duty-bound to work for a fair election that would guarantee the honor and prestige of the nation and ensure the prosperity of the country.
He said participation in elections indicates the clearest symbol of popular presence and a great support for the Islamic Revolution.
Referring to the frequent failures of enemies in achieving their diabolical goals, he said, "The only way of the foes is to sow seeds of dissension between the Iranian people and the officials. That is why centers of arrogant powers are scrutinizing the Feb. 20 elections so that in case of low popular turnout they would separate people from the officials and pave the way for interferences in Iran. However, people will prove firm as in the past and champion the ideals of the Islamic system."
Referring to the recent statements of U.S. officials on Iran election, he said the enemies are encouraging Iranians to shun the elections and this shows the bitter U.S. animosity towards the Islamic Republic.
He described the comments of U.S. officials as flagrant interference in Iran's internal affairs, adding the authorities should know that Iranians would view their statements with a look of contempt.
The leader urged the officials to defuse the situation and avoid exaggerating the discrepancies among fractions over the electoral process and examination of hopefuls' qualification.
There are people in the country who are seeking to create or exacerbate tension but people are vigilant enough not to be deceived by them, he warned.
The Leader stressed the necessity of regarding certain criteria to vote for candidates.
In his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei said piety, efficiency, care and courage are the four main criteria for electing appropriate candidates.
"A strong Majlis will be formed if dependant on people's votes and committed to its duties," he said.
"Our republicanism is based only on Islam and Islam does not allow us to reject democracy," he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the Iranian nation has managed to guarantee Islamic identity and republicanism through its dependence on the Constitution.
The Leader went on to say that representatives of the nation should be pious and efficient as well as caring about the downtrodden people.
"They should not be attached to money and power and should perform their duties with courage and persistence," he said.
The nation is free to elect their representatives through voting within the boundaries of law; if the nation is happy with their performance, they will elect them again; otherwise, they change their choice.
The Leader also said the Islamic government and the officials have never been trying to create enemies. He said putting an end to the pillage of our resources by colonial powers has been a major reason for the enemies' animosities toward Iranian nation. Another major reason for their animosity is that the Islamic Revolution has breathed a new life into the veins of Muslim countries.
The enemies have always been trying to confront the Islamic Revolution by downgrading or humiliating religious democracy, which is a great achievement by the nation.
The U.S. claims to be the defender of democracy but the president of this country with the backing of 25 percent of voters supports the most despotic regime, which by itself shows a lack of incompatibility between democracy and religion or spirituality.