“The standard is the people’s choice (vote),” he asserted, referring to the ultimate decision-makers, who have the right to choose their leaders.
He articulated a fundamental principle that remains a motto for the democratic bodies in the country:
Imam Khomeini emphasized that it is the people who must participate in the democratic processes, either directly by electing their president and representatives or indirectly through elected representatives who make decisions on their behalf.
This principle has been at the heart of the Iranian Constitution that clearly defines how elections should be held and how candidates – even ordinary citizens – should have the right to join the race.
Imam delivered the speech on June 15, 1979, following the victory of the revolution, in a meeting with the Iranian army’s air force personnel.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, however, has cautioned the candidates against making statements that could delight Iran's enemies.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has underscored the turnout of Iranians in the presidential runoff election on Friday as the “backbone” of the Islamic Republic.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with scholars from Shahid Motahari University in the capital Tehran on Wednesday as Iranian people, in their millions, are scheduled to cast their ballots for the second round of the presidential election on July 5.
Describing the participation of people as the “backbone and source of pride for the Islamic Establishment,” the Leader said, “The better, clearer and more evident the participation, the more capable the system will be to achieve its domestic goals and to pursue the goals in the strategic development of the country, which is a big opportunity."
"This election is very important and anyone who loves Islam, the Islamic Republic, the progress of the country, the improvement of the situation and [favors] bridging the gaps should show this interest by participating in the election on Friday,” the Leader said.