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Polls open in Iran’s 13th presidential election, Leader casts his vote
Iranians are heading to the polls at home and abroad on Friday to choose the country’s 13th president.
Over 72,000 polling stations opened at 07:00 a.m. local time across the country and are to close at 00:00 (GMT+4:30) on Friday.
Expatriates can also cast their ballots in the presidential election at over 230 polling stations in more than 100 countries.
Since early in the morning, long lines had already formed at polling stations around the country.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei was among the first to cast his ballot.
“The Election Day is the day of the Iranian nation. It is the people who are determining the country’s future for the coming years by voting. Anything the Iranian nation does today will build their future and determine their destiny for years to come," the Leader said after casting his vote.
He added, "We repeatedly invite people to participate in the elections. The result of their presence primarily affects the people themselves. Of course, the people's turnout will also help to gain major advantages for the country in the international arena".
Ayatollah Khamenei further said, "No one should say their one vote isn't effective. Every single vote is definitely important. It is these single votes that make up the millions of votes of the nation. I believe you should come to the elections with a divine intent, gain divine reward and do this".
"I advise you to do this important, necessary action as soon as possible. I always say this. Yes, there are many hours left until the allotted time finishes, but the sooner you do this divine duty and action the better. I hope God, the Almighty, gives blessings to your votes, by His grace. God willing, you can form a promising future for yourself and every single person in the nation".
Senior Iranian officials, including the heads of the three branches of government, also cast their votes at polling states in the capital, Tehran.
Officials have stressed that health protocols will be strictly observed in all polling stations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.