Tehran Mosque Hosts Longest Quran Recitation Session on Election Day
The Abuzar Mosque, which was one of the many polling stations in the city, was also the venue of a large gathering of Quran activists.
Senior Quran reciters including Mojtaba Mohammadbeigi, Saeed Parvizi, Mohammad Hossein Saeedian, Habib Sedaqat, and Valiollah Pourahmadi were among the Qaris who recited verses from the Quran at the event.
The program, initiated by the Quran Radio, started at 8 o’clock as polls opened across the country and lasted for some 12 hours.
Polling stations across Iran closed at midnight after sixteen hours. The Interior Ministry had extended the voting three times in one of the country’s most tightly contested elections.
Four candidates, incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, Ebrahim Raisi, Mostafa Hashemitaba, and Mostafa Aqa-Mirsalim were seeking presidency in the race.
People also cast their ballots in the 5th City and Village Council Elections.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was among the first to cast his ballot, calling on Iranians to turn out in big numbers.
Speaking after casting his vote, the Leader said, "I thank God Almighty for the blessing of democracy and people’s participation in the election. This is a great blessing.”
"Praise be to God, our people are thankful for this blessing. You see they are participating and my advice is that more and more people participate and come to the polls at the earliest time possible."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the 2017 elections as very important, saying the destiny of the country is in the hand of the masses.
"I believe a good work should be done in early hours and should not be delayed. I also believe the presidential election is very important," the Leader said.
"The destiny of the county is in the hands of the people who choose the chief executive. They should heed the importance of this task," Ayatollah Khamenei added.
