Khamenei: Statements Made During Election Debates Were Undeserving of the Nation

In his first statement regarding the election debates, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei deemed some of the 'words' expressed during the debates as 'undeserving' of the Iranian people and referred to the 'denial of freedom' in the country as 'ingratitude from some.' He further stated that regardless of which candidate wins the election, the Islamic Republic system is the 'main winner.' During his meeting on Wednesday, May 17, with a group of citizens, he continued that the 'presence of the nation' in the elections would 'solve' the 'issues' and 'words spoken' in the 'election discussions.' In the three debates among the six candidates for the twelfth presidential election, which were broadcast live on Iranian state television, some candidates explicitly accused each other of 'corruption' and 'lying.' This tension and verbal conflict among the candidates, which began during the election debates, continues on websites, social media, and their promotional channels, with both sides still making various claims and accusations against each other. The Supreme Leader reacted to these verbal tensions on Wednesday, stating that in the elections, 'the candidates' and 'their supporters' have expressed their views, and ultimately one person will win the election. Khamenei added that in this election, 'the main winner in this matter - whoever receives the votes - is the Iranian nation. The main winner is the Islamic Republic system.' The competition and campaign activities of the Hassan Rouhani and Ebrahim Raisi campaigns have reached their peak less than 24 hours before the end of the candidates' campaigning period, with each trying to make the most of the remaining time for campaigning. Presence in the streets and main squares of cities is one of the direct campaigning methods of Rouhani and Raisi's supporters, which has, in some cases, led to certain restrictions imposed by the police on them. In this context, the Supreme Leader stated that 'the discipline of the people' is very 'valuable' both 'before the elections, on election day, and after the elections.' He considered 'the discipline and adherence of the people to order and law' in elections to be 'very important' and added that 'the Iranian nation has experienced how beneficial this discipline is and how harmful disorder and lawlessness are for it.' Ali Khamenei also stated that the Islamic Republic has created a 'space of freedom,' 'although some show ingratitude and use this free space to deny freedom; this is ungratefulness.' The Supreme Leader also expressed confidence in the executive and supervisory bodies, addressing the Iranian people to be assured that regarding the elections, 'the executive and supervisory bodies and security guardians are seriously working. They are moving in coordination.' He also urged these responsible institutions and organizations to 'ensure that the people's votes are secure and their trust is preserved.' Khamenei added that 'there may be some who want to commit violations, but the institutions are thankfully accepted and trusted, and they must be vigilant.' The twelfth presidential election in Iran is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 29. Hassan Rouhani and Ebrahim Raisi are the two main candidates in this election, whose supporters have high hopes for victory.