Hawzah News Agency - Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks on Wednesday in a meeting with Army commanders and staff members.

“The enemies make provocations to sabotage the elections. The nation should proceed along in the face of the hostile movement, while maintaining its current awareness so the elections will be held with vibrancy,

passion, neatness and security,” the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei further described a successful election as a “resource” for the nation.

“Browbeating is the modus operandi of big powers. The worse situation for a country comes about when its authorities are intimidated by the enemy’s sulking, threatening and browbeating,” the leader said. “The

nation [ however] is standing upright.”

Ayatollah Khamenei further said the nation’s resistance has been the key to thwarting different enemy plots against the country over the past decades.

“Neither the US nor bigger [entities] than that can do a damn thing in the face of an establishment, which is bonded with its people, likes its people and is liked by them,” the Leader added.

The Leader further emphasized, “An election of such nature would lend much security to the country.”

Over a dozen high-profile figures have registered for the country’s 12th presidential elections.

The registration process is over and the candidates' credentials are now being vetted. The people will go to the polls on May 19. Concomitantly, the electorate will vote to choose members of village and city

council.