Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei emphasized that “strong and fervent" elections are fundamental for the proper governance of the country.

“If we can show the world that the nation is present in the country’s critical and decisive scenes, we have saved and moved the country forward,” he added.

Sayyed Khamenei conveyed these sentiments during a meeting on Wednesday with a group of families of Iranian martyrs and first-time voters ahead of the country's elections for the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) and the Assembly of Experts on March 1.
 
Highlighting the apathy of some individuals toward the elections, Sayyed Khamenei mentioned, “I am not accusing anyone, but I remind all that we should look at the elections from the perspective of national interests, not from the viewpoints of factions and groups.”

"Anyone who loves Iran, their nation, and security should know that if the elections are poorly held, no one will benefit and everyone will be hurt,” he further stated.

The Iranian leader emphasized that the participation of Iranian voters in the elections demonstrates "national strength", highlighting that the country's adversaries are closely monitoring the event.

“National power supports national security. If the enemy feels that you are not capable, [and] the Iranian nation has no power, they will threaten your security in every way,” Sayyed Khamenei said.

The Iranian leader underscored the significance of national security, stating that it is the paramount concern. He emphasized that the enemy is against Iran's national strength, and, consequently, opposes anything that reflects national power, including elections.
 
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian leader suggested that those who hesitate to vote and dissuade others from voting should "reflect a bit more."

“Not voting leads to no achievements and does not resolve the country’s problems,” he stressed.

Iran's Assembly of Experts: Elections and functions

The Assembly of Experts in Iran, to be elected on March 1, plays a vital role in the country as per the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its role is to appoint and dismiss (if needed) Iran's Leader, as well as to monitor the latter's term.

Article 107 of the Iranian Constitution states that the Assembly of Experts bears the responsibility of appointing a replacement for the Leader in cases of death, resignation, or dismissal. Article 111 completes the latter by highlighting the Assembly's role in removing the Leader in case it is confident that he failed in fulfilling his role. 

The Leader of the Revolution and Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for overseeing the general policy in Iran and declaring cases of war, peace, and general mobilization. The Leader is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces.

Sayyed Ali Khamenei, 84, has been the Leader of the Revolution and Islamic Republic of Iran since 1989, as he took over after the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.

After Imam Khomeini passed away, the responsibility of assigning the Leader was given to the members of the Assembly of Experts who have always been elected by the people of Iran.

Read more: Iran's parliamentary election campaigns launch 1 week before polls