Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic established an Islamic-democratic system following the victory of Islamic Revolution in 1979.
The Islamic Revolution accomplished victory in 1979 under the wise leadership of Imam Khomeini by relying on God Almighty and with vast participation of people.
Since then, Iran has held several presidential and parliamentary elections over the past decades in order to make sure the participation of the people in all arenas.
The late founder of the Islamic Revolution frequently repeated the following in his speeches: "You are free to vote for anything you want. I myself will vote for an Islamic Republic."
This comes as Iranians will go to the polls on May 19 to take part in the country’s 12th presidential election and also to elect members of local city and village councils for the fifth time.
According to Iranian law, the president is the country’s chief executive and officially in charge of implementing the constitution and Iran’s macro policies.
The president in Iran must be known among men of religion and politics, and also have good experience in management.
The presidential election is held on a Friday across the country. Any Iranian enjoying a sound mind over the age of 18 can participate.
After the elections, any candidate with 50 percent of the votes plus one will be announced as the president of Iran. But if the leading candidates’ votes were to be less than 50 percent, the lead and the runner-up would then go for a second round.
From very beginning of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini had pursue the officials to manage to hold a historic referendum in order to establish an Islamic-democratic system in the country
Imam Khomeini had tried hard to make people aware of the importance of a referendum, which appointed the type of government people wanted and announced their opinion with regards to an Islamic republic.
Finally on Friday the 30th of March 1979 the people voted. The leader of the revolution voted during the early hours of the day. The polls showed that 98% of the people voted for an Islamic republic.
On the 1st of April the Imam congratulated the people for their choice and officially announced the establishment of an Islamic republic.
Highlighting the participation of people in elections, Imam once said in a historic message as following:
"When a virtuous government is in place, it follows that the people will be allowed to vote freely, and when that happens, they will select righteous people for the parliament. For not all the people are bad, the majority of them are good, virtuous individuals who want the good of the country. They want it to thrive, to enjoy a sound economy, and they pray for good, honest men to govern. It is only natural that when elections are free and safe from the interference of these unrighteous individuals, righteous people will enter parliament. And when this happens, a virtuous government will be formed, a virtuous president will take control, one who will not act against the interests of the country."
( Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol. 5, Page 314)
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