Ayatollah Khamenei casts vote in 14th presidential election

"I pray for the best days and years for our beloved nation from the Almighty God. Election day is a day of joy and happiness for us Iranians, especially when the election is for the selection of the president as the next few years of the country will be determined by this choice of the people," Ayatollah said after voting, according to Press TV. 

"We recommend our dear people to take voting and participation in this important political test seriously and participate" in it, he added.

Ayatollah Khamenei also said, "Durability, consistency, dignity and prestige of the Islamic Republic in the world depends on the presence of the people."

"In order to prove the health and sincerity of the Islamic Republic's system, the presence of the people is necessary and obligatory," he added.

The voting started at 8:00 a.m. (04:30 GMT) on Friday. It will continue for 10 hours until 6:00 p.m., with the minister of interior having the authority to extend the voting time if necessary.

More than 61 million people are eligible to vote, the head of the election headquarters said.

"I hope that God will choose the best option for this country and that the coming years will be good years and people will be satisfied with their choice," Ayatollah Khamenei said.