Hawzah News Agency (Tehran, Iran)‌ - "Look at the regional countries. Is there any place where there is no insecurity? In this insecure assortment, the Islamic Republic is preparing for elections with security and calm," Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said at a Wednesday, May ۱۶, ۲۰۱۷, meeting with people from different walks of life in Tehran.

“This is very valuable,” the Leader said, adding that people were awaiting the event with “passion.”

All administrative, monitoring and security bodies are at work to safeguard the May 19 elections, the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei said these organizations have the nation’s trust, but still urged them to exercise utmost care and help protect people’s votes.

“Some may seek to commit fraud in this midst. The Iranian people have enemies. In the face of the enemy, the people’s countenance should indicate will power, conviction, self-confidence, calm and equilibrium,” the Leader added.

The Leader said Iran’s people and Islamic establishment will be the eventual winners of the May 19 election, no matter who emerges victorious in the race.

Ayatollah Khamenei also called on the nation to observe discipline both in the run-up to the polls, the Election Day itself, and the days that follow. “This discipline and the people’s commitment to order and law is very significant,” the Leader added.

It was the Islamic establishment in the country that awarded the nation the freedom to elect presidents as well as members of the City and Village Councils , the Leader said, referring to the twin elections on Friday.

The electorate will head to the polls on Friday to choose among incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, Ebrahim Raeisi, who has served in different capacities at the Iranian Judiciary, Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim, a current member of Iran’s Expediency Council, and Mostafa Hashemi-Taba, a former vice president. 

Iranians will also choose members of Iran’s City and Village Councils in separate elections on the same day.