TEHRAN – The fittest choice is not the one who slanders his rivals, Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani said on Wednesday in reference to presidential candidates.

The ayatollah emphasized that the candidates should refrain from lying, misrepresentation, and false accusations, adding, “The fittest is the one who is most capable,” IRNA reported.

On the necessity of voting, he said it is a right and a duty for all Iranians to take part in the election.

SP/AK