Iran's Khamenei calls for high turnout in June 28 presidential election

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for higher participation in the forthcoming snap presidential election, saying it "silences enemies."

Speaking to a gathering from different provinces in Tehran on Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei said public participation in the election "brings pride to the Islamic Republic and silences the enemies."

Iran's presidential election is slated for June 28, with six candidates running for the country's top executive office.

The election was scheduled ahead of the stipulated time after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19.

Ayatollah Khamenei said pride lies in two things: "Maximum participation" in the election and the "election of the most qualified candidate," without naming anyone.

"Both are important. High participation, which we strongly insist on, is necessary because the Islamic Republic has enemies," he said, as cited by state-run news agency IRNA.

"If good public participation is observed in this election, it will bring pride to the Islamic Republic. Public participation is intrinsic to the Islamic Republic," he added.

The supreme leader said anyone not in sync with the ideals of the Islamic Revolution and attached to America "is not a suitable candidate."

"Anyone who thinks that without America's favor, nothing can be accomplished, will not manage well," he was quoted as saying.

According to pre-election opinion polls, three candidates – reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and conservatives Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Saeed Jalili –​​​​​​​ are currently leading in the race for the presidency.