Iranian people eventual winner of elections: Judiciary chief

Amoli Larijani made the remarks Friday after casting his vote in Iran’s 12th presidential election.

Besides showing solidarity and national unity, participation in elections will also promote security and authority of the country, he said.

Iran’s enemies have admitted that in spite of all pressures and sanctions imposed on Iran, Iranians are still committed to their Islamic system, he added.

He went on to say that enemies of Iran have confessed that there is democracy in Iran and people vote freely.

Judiciary chief expressed hope that Iranian people would choose the most qualified person for presidential election and the city and village council elections as well.

In addition to the 12th presidential election and the fifth city and village councils election, by-election is also being held in the cities of Isfahan (in Isfahan province), Maragheh, Ahar, Heris (in East Azarbaijan province), Ajabshir, Bastak, Parsian and Bandar Lengeh (in Hormuzgan province) to elect representatives for four vacant parliament seats.

For the presidential competition, the candidates are incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, the Custodian of Imam Reza (AS) Holy Shrine Ebrahim Raeisi and former minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mostafa Aqa Mirsalim and former Minister of Physical Education Mostafa Hashemi Taba.

First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri and Mayor of Tehran, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf were other presidential candidates who quit the presidential race to support their favorite candidates (Rouhani and Raeisi, respectively).

Polling stations are open from 8am until 6pm local time (3:30am to 1:30pm GMT) although authorities have announced that the country's 63,500 polling stations could extend their voting time if necessary.

Over 56 million Iranians are eligible to vote in Iran's 12th presidential elections, according to the Election Headquarters of the Interior Ministry.

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