Hawzah News Agency (Tehran, Iran) - Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei cast his ballot at the Imam Khomeini Husseiniya in Tehran, with enthusiastic journalists and photographers present at the site of the voting.

In comments after voting in the 12th presidential election and the 5th City and Village Councils elections, the Leader praised God for democracy and election in Iran and for presence of people at the political scene, describing those as “great blessings.”

Calling for maximum turnout in the election, Ayatollah Khamenei said people had better go to the polling stations in the early hours, because it is recommended not to delay an act of goodness.

“I believe that the presidential election is very important. The country’s fate is in the hands of all people who elect head of the executive force. They (people) should pay regard to the significance of this action,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The Leader also highlighted the significance of the City and Village Councils elections, saying members of those councils are in charge of handling the daily affairs of people.

Ayatollah Khamenei finally urged the voters to attend the election with knowledge and awareness.

 Polling stations across Iran opened on Friday morning for the 12th presidential election, the 5th City and Village Councils elections, and the Parliament’s midterm election.

Iranians headed to the polls as soon as the stations opened to elect the country’s 8th president.

Authorities say the number of eligible voters stands at above 56,400,000, more than 1,350,000 of which are allowed to vote for the first time.

The whole Iranians above the age of 18 can cast ballots by offering their national birth certificate. The expatriates can vote with their passports as well.

There are four candidates seeking presidency in the polls, including incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, Ebrahim Raisi, Mostafa Hashemitaba, and Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim. Two other hopefuls, Eshaq Jahangiri and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, dropped out of the race in favor of Rouhani and Raisi, respectively.

A run-off would be held a week later if none of the candidates wins a majority, which is at least 50 percent plus one vote.

The vote counts are going to be made public in a gradual process upon closure of the polls tonight.