Khamenei: I Will Stand Against Anyone Who Challenges the People's Vote

The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, denied any interference in various elections during a speech on Tuesday, April 1st, while asserting that he would stand against anyone who 'challenges the people's vote.' Khamenei stated, 'I do not interfere in elections and have never told the people to choose this or that.' He added, 'Anyone who wants to confront the people's vote, I will stand against them.' However, he indicated that he would only intervene in elections if someone sought to 'stand against the people's vote and break it.' He mentioned that in the years 1997, 2005, 2009, and 2013, there were individuals who opposed the elections, particularly highlighting the events of 2009. Khamenei noted that 'in past years, some were known to the people, and some were not.' He did not provide further details about those who opposed the people's vote, especially regarding the 2013 presidential election won by Hassan Rouhani. Khamenei, who traditionally delivers a speech in Mashhad during the Iranian New Year, emphasized the importance of the presidential and council elections, asserting that he would defend the people's vote. The council elections will take place on May 18, coinciding with the mid-term parliamentary elections and the twelfth presidential election in Iran. Elections in Iran, particularly for the parliament and presidency, are often criticized by human rights organizations and civil liberties observers due to extensive oversight and disqualifications by the Guardian Council. A significant portion of Khamenei's speech focused on the economy, where he stressed that 'the main priority today is economic issues.' He criticized the performance of the eleventh government, identifying 'unemployment' and 'production stagnation' as major economic problems, stating, 'We learn about the people's situation in various sectors, and people are facing difficulties. Unemployment and livelihood issues are present, along with various cultural and social problems that arise from them.' Khamenei referred to the positive economic growth figures reported by Rouhani's government, which claimed over 11% growth, but noted, 'Positive economic growth indicates progress, but negative investment growth is one of the fundamental and significant flaws. For example, we have progress in some sectors like oil, but setbacks in others like mining and housing.' According to Khamenei, 'Official statistics do not convince one that there is a general movement towards resolving problems.' He also addressed the issue of smuggling in Iran, claiming that the figures are higher than official statistics suggest. Khamenei stated, 'It is said that $15 billion is spent on smuggling, which is a minimal figure that is said to be very high. Some say it could be as high as $20 or $25 billion. Smuggling must be stopped.' Khamenei's criticism of smuggling comes amid allegations from some former Iranian officials, including former parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who have implicitly accused the Revolutionary Guards of being involved in large-scale smuggling.