“High voter turnout is more important than anything else for the country, and the nation with its powerful move on Friday will prove its strong connection and bond with the Islamic establishment and once again defeat and disappoint the enemy,” the Leader said in Tehran on Wednesday.

“Political epic has [already] begun from today and … on Friday through hope, trust and determination of the people [it] will reach its pinnacle….”

Ayatollah Khamenei said the enemies of Islam and the Revolution have used all their financial, media and political means to separate the people from the Islamic establishment and create cynicism towards the elections and the body holding them, but mass voter turnout on Friday will once again defeat the enemy.

The Leader described the forthcoming election as an important and major experience for the Iranian nation, saying that a “consolidated, lively, strong, and hopeful” participation in the vote as well as “maintaining and strengthening mutual trust between the people and authorities will disappoint the enemy and reduce pressures.”

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that failure to abide by the law was the basis of the 2009 post-election unrest, adding, “The people and the country suffered a lot as a result of that lawlessness and this reality has caused the nation more sensitive about the necessity of law abidance in the upcoming election.”

The Leader said the elected president of the people can better stand up to the enemies of the country and nation and defend national interests, if he gets more votes.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the more one shows weakness in the international arena and retreats, the further the enemy will advance.

“Therefore, one must stand up to the illegitimate demands of foreign powers with might,” the Leader added.

The six candidates in Iran’s presidential election are President of the Expediency Council’s Center for Strategic Research Hassan Rohani, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Saeed Jalili, Expediency Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati, and former Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Gharazi.