On June 4, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei charged that foreign powers are plotting to discourage Iranians from voting in the upcoming presidential election. Tehran’s enemies also want to cause “sedition” after the poll “just like what they did” after the disputed 2009 election, Khamenei claimed in a televised speech. He spoke to thousands at a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the passing of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic. Khamenei also encouraged Iranians to vote in large numbers on June 14 to show their confidence in the political system. He warned candidates against “making impossible promises” and giving concessions to the West. The following are excerpts from Khamenei’s official Twitter account and a variety of press reports.
Presidential Election
Iran’s enemies “wish for either a low turnout in the election or sedition to emerge after the poll…The enemies are seeking to portray the election as a threat to the Islamic establishment whereas the vote is in fact a great opportunity.”
“Candidates shouldn’t make impossible promises. Speak in a way that if next year at this time you listen to a recording of yourself or people do, you won’t be ashamed. Make promises that you can deliver on so that afterwards you don’t say that they didn’t let me do this or didn’t let me do that.”
“A vote for any of these eight candidates is a vote for the Islamic Republic and a vote of confidence in the system and our electoral process.”
Some candidates “have the wrong analysis that by giving concessions to enemies, their anger towards Iran will be reduced. This is a mistake... In practice [they] prefer the enemies' interests to our national ones."
“Those who assume there is a silent majority opposed to the Islamic Republic's system have forgotten that a huge number of people have been pouring into the streets on February 11th each year [the anniversary of the 1979 revolution], chanting the ˈDown with USAˈ slogan every year."
“Where in the world are presidential candidates, from well known figures to unknown figures, given equal time on national television? In America and capitalist countries, if you are not the candidate of the two or three [major] political parties, or if the wealthy or powerful or Zionist networks don’t support you, under no conditions do you have the ability to advertise.”
Economy
“Yes, we have economic problems, yes we have inflation, but God willing the person who comes can provide a solution to these problems. This is the wish of the Iranian people.”
“If we can shore up the economy, the enemy will be left defenseless in confronting the Iranian nation.”
Ayatollah Khomeini’s Legacy and Iran’s Progress
“Imam [Khomeini]’s principles… are the very principles that turned the backward dependent Iranian nation into a pioneering, dignified and independent nation.”
“Imam Khomeini had faith in three [things] that gave him determination; courage, endurance and faith in God, people and himself.”
“Iranians have been successful in every field during the last 30 years… Imam Khomeini taught Iranians that ‘We can.’”
