Arab journalist: Rouhani re-election vote for neighborly ties

The Iranians chose a candidate as their next president who, at the same time, has pledged to boost Iran’s defense capabilities both internally and on a global level, Ghassan Jawad, a journalist and editor-in-chief of the Beirutpress news website told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) in a recent interview.

The Lebanese journalist also said that Rouhani’s success is expected to promote Iran’s security, since he is a popular figure both inside and outside Iran.

“The election boosted Iran’s status as a big regional power, as a country in which elections are held in line with its Constitution, while the political event showcased a distinguished model of democracy in the East,' Jawad said.

He added that a turnout of more than 41 million in Iran’s presidential election was an indication of the people’s trust in the establishment, and their faith in the effectiveness of their votes in the governing system of the country.

“This is the main reason for people’s participation in the election in Iran,” the journalist added.

Over 23 million votes (57%) cast in the 12th presidential election on May 19 went to Rouhani, bringing him a second term in the office as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

More than 70 percent of those eligible participated in the election on Friday.

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