TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) — MP Mohammad-Reza Tabesh said here Sunday that the government should identify and attempt to remove the obstacles in the way of voter participation in order to realize massive voter turnout in the upcoming seventh Majlis elections.

Tabesh, speaking at a mourning ceremony for Imam Ali (AS) in Ardaken, said that voter turnout is considerably more important than the election's outcome, the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported.

"Voter turnout is far more significant than peripheral disagreements and should be taken into account by the various political groups of the country," he said.

The MP, who represents Ardaken in the Majlis, said that people will not turn out for the elections unless they are certain that their votes will make a difference in their lives.

Tabesh, who is also a member of the Majlis Presiding Board, said that Iran's security and social interests depend on a massive voter turnout, adding that this will only be possible if a climate of national confidence is established.

The MP added that the people will continue to feel despondent as long as poverty and inequality between the classes continues.

The Iranian people showed in the presidential election of the 2nd of Khordad (May 23, 1997) that they would react positively despite various economic difficulties if a climate of trust were established, he said.

Tabesh went on to say that the people of Iran consider respect for human dignity, voting, opinions, and beliefs to be a far more important issue than financial problems.

"However, this should not cause economic officials to ignore the increasing economic difficulties that the people are facing," he said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Tabesh highlighted Iran's decision to sign the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, calling it a wise precaution.

He said that the decision was made by consensus among government officials, adding that it resolved the most significant challenge that Iran has faced in recent years.