Official: Guangzhou-based Iranians keen on presidential election

Khalil Shir Gholami told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Monday that due to the high enthusiasm of the Iranian residents of Guangzhou, a ballot box will be established at the consulate, with all required arrangements met.

The 12th Iranian presidential election will be held simultaneously in Iran and abroad on May 19, along with local elections of the Islamic City and Village Councils as well as Parliamentary mid-term election for some of the constituencies.

Emphasizing the importance of exercising the voting right for all Iranians living abroad, he reminded that the polling-related news had been announced on the consulate website and via the other media.

'In addition to the residents of Guangdong and the other four provinces covered by the consulate, those who commute to the province for their business affairs, will be able to cast their votes,' added Shir Gholami, noting that in the next week a rubber and plastic exhibition will be held in Guangzhou and many Iranians are likely to come to the city either as visitors or as participants.

Over 56 million Iranians are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections, according to Ali Asghar Ahmadi, head of the Election Headquarters of the Interior Ministry.

Some 66.7 percent of respondents to a recent survey carried out by IRNA on May 7-8 said they would participate in the presidential election.

Guangdong, well known as the economic province of China, with a population of 105 million is one of the biggest and most populous provinces of the country. Guangzhou is the capital city of the province.

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