“The participation of over 80 percent of (eligible) people… and the 24 million votes for the elected president are a real celebration that, God willing, will guarantee the country’s progress and security,” he said in the statement issued on Saturday.
Incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected president after receiving 24,527,516 votes, which was 62.63 percent of the 39 million votes cast in Friday’s election. Main challenger Mir-Hossein Mousavi received 13,216,411 votes, which was 33.75 percent of the turnout.
The Iranian nation has proven that 30 years after the Islamic Revolution, they are still loyal to its revolutionary values and showed their “friends and enemies” that despite all the political and psychological pressure, they will stay the course, the Supreme Leader said in his statement.
Ayatollah Khamenei also warned the supporters of Ahmadinejad and the three challengers to avoid any provocative remarks or behavior.
“I advise all people, and especially the beloved youths… to be vigilant. The Saturday after an election must always be a day of kindness and patience,” the statement noted.
All of the president’s rivals must now support him, it added.
Ayatollah Khamenei also thanked all presidential candidates, religious scholars, and other cultural figures for encouraging people with different political persuasions and diverse views on society and the economy to cast ballots.
SL/HG
END
MNA