TEHRAN - Nasser Kanaani, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, has highlighted the significance of the upcoming presidential election, emphasizing a high participation rate as a crucial factor in bolstering Iran's regional and global influence.

“The elections in Iran demonstrate religious democracy. The broad participation of Iranians in the elections, along with their influential role in managing the country, will enhance national power for advancing foreign policy goals,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. 

Kanaani noted the presence of numerous foreign journalists covering the election, highlighting the international attention on this important political event. “The journey of 180 foreign journalists to Iran for news coverage and visual representation of the election developments and their process demonstrates the importance of Iran's position and role, as well as its transformations in the regional and international scene. It also highlights the impact of these elections on Iran's domestic and foreign policies,” he said. 

He concluded by stating, "Undoubtedly, the pride of dear Iran is the common aspiration of all Iranians, and Iranians living abroad will once again show their great love for dear Iran with their enthusiastic participation in this election."

Iranians will head to the polls on Friday to elect the president who will stay in office for the next 4 years. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called for snap elections after President Ebrahim Raisi lost his life during a helicopter crash on May 19. Elected in 2021, Raisi still had a year to finish his first term in office.