TEHRAN- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met with the new custodian, a number of managers, and a group of professors from Shahid Motahari University on July 3, 2024.

During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei spoke briefly about the presidential runoff election, scheduled for Friday, July 5, 2024. Emphasizing the importance of the elections, the Leader emphasized that, “Anyone interested in Islam, the Islamic Republic, the progress of the country, improving the situation, and filling the voids should show their interest by participating in the elections on Friday.”

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the level of participation in the initial stage of the elections was lower than anticipated and went against predictions. “There are reasons behind this matter which should be examined by sociologists and those involved in politics,” he stated.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution completely rejected the notion held by some that individuals who abstained from voting in the first round of the elections were opposed to the system. He underlined that while it is conceivable that certain individuals may harbor negative views towards specific officials or even the Islamic system, it is completely unfounded to assume that those who did not vote align themselves with such sentiments. “This line of thinking is absolutely wrong,” he remarked.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that there may have been various reasons why some individuals did not participate in the voting, such as personal issues, work, or challenges. He expressed hope that the turnout in the upcoming phases of the polling will be inspiring and bring honor to the system.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution considered the participation of the people as the backbone and source of pride in the system. He underscored that “the better and clearer the participation, the more capable the system will be to achieve its goals within the country and pursue its goals in the strategic framework of the country and this presents as a significant opportunity [for success].”

He expressed hope that God would grant the people the means to elect the best candidate, thus allowing the chosen president to successfully achieve the goals of the system and the nation.

At the beginning of this meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei described the transformative programs of Shahid Motahari School as a vital and correct initiative. He emphasized the importance of continually updating these programs within the framework of established principles and foundations that are in tune with the current needs, as seminaries are truly in need of new approaches.

Highlighting the issue of discipline and managerial oversight of activities, he said, "Shahid Motahari School has the potential to embody the Tehran seminary. Moreover, serving as both a seminary and school, it should aim to educate individuals who possess not only knowledge but also piety and spiritual purity.”