The leader of the Revolution and the Islamic Republic Sayyed Ali Khamenei on Friday cast his vote in the Hussainiyah of Imam Khomeini in Tehran a few minutes after polling stations opened for Iranian citizens to cast their votes to elect a new Iranian president for the country.

Candidates Saeed Jalili, Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and Masoud Pezeshkian are running for office to succeed the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash on May 19.

Two other candidates, Alireza Zakani and Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, withdrew from the race on Wednesday and Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Sayyed Khamenei emphasized that election day is a time of activity and enthusiasm in Iran, especially as it is the presidential election, urging Iranians to turn out to vote as a "definite necessity" for their country.

قائد الثورة والجمهورية الإسلامية السيد علي #خامنئي يدلي بصوته في حسينية الإمام الخميني في #طهران.#الميادين #إيران_الجمهورية_تستمر pic.twitter.com/fdv7MipR8A

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) June 28, 2024

He underlined that Iran's dignity and reputation depend on the people's presence, expressing hope that Iranians will participate in this major event.

"In the essence of this system, the presence of the people is taken into account. Also, the durability of the Islamic Republic and its honor and reputation in the world depend on the presence of the people," he said.

The Iranian leader stressed that high voter turnout is necessary to prove the validity and integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

On his part, Ahmad Marvi, the head of the Astan Quds Razavi told Al Mayadeen that the political system in Iran has never abandoned electoral entitlements, affirming that it is the people's duty to choose the country's officials.

He highlighted that Iran's power and strength stem from the people's strength and presence, hoping for the selection of the best candidate for the presidency, one who supports the Axis of Resistance.

Polling stations across Iran opened at 8 am local time and will remain open for ten hours, with the Interior Ministry having the authority to extend the voting period if necessary.

Iranians turned out early to vote for the country’s new president as the polling stations began operating.

Over 61,450,000 eligible Iranian voters can participate in the elections, both domestically and overseas.

Approximately 59,000 polling stations have been established across the country, including over 15,000 mobile stations. Additionally, 340 polling stations have been set up in 100 countries to enable Iranian expatriates to vote.

Security for the election is being provided by forces from the police, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Basij.

An earlier survey published by ISPA revealed that reformist candidate Masoud Pezekshian is leading the polls, followed closely by conservative candidate Saeed Jalili.