TEHRAN – Hours after voting began in Iran's snap presidential election on Friday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei cast his ballot in Tehran in front of dozens of reporters and offered a final message to the Iranian people.

When asked about his last recommendations to those who are still undecided or hesitant to participate, Ayatollah Khamenei urged Iranian voters to actively participate in the election and emphasized their crucial role in shaping the country's future and making the "best and most useful choice."

The text of the Leader’s full answer to the question asked by an IRIB reporter is as follows: 

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

I pray to Almighty God for the best days and years and the greatest blessings for our beloved nation. Election Day for us Iranians is a day of joy and happiness, especially when the election is for choosing the president who will shape the country's future for the next few years. However, I believe there is an important issue alongside this, and that is the enthusiastic participation of the people and an increase in voter turnout.

This is an essential need of the Islamic Republic. The word Republic in the name “Islamic Republic” indicates the presence of the people is a part of the foundation of this system. Therefore, the continuation of the Islamic Republic, the strength of the Islamic Republic, the dignity of the Islamic Republic, and the honor of the Islamic Republic in the world depend on the participation of the people.

This is the reason we recommend our beloved people take the issue of voting and participating in this important political test seriously. As for what you mentioned about some people being hesitant, I see no reason for hesitation. This is an easy task that will yield important results. Why should a person hesitate to do something that costs nothing, is not difficult, has no material cost, doesn’t take much time, has no pressures involved, but has numerous benefits?

People should not hesitate, especially considering the point I have mentioned that the strength of the Islamic Republic depends on the participation of the people. Furthermore, the participation of the people is necessary and obligatory in order to demonstrate the validity and honesty of the system of the Islamic Republic. I hope, God willing, that Almighty God will ordain the best, most beneficial choice for this country. May the upcoming years be advantageous, and may the people be satisfied with the choices they make.

May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
May God be with you. May God be with you.