Tehran, 2008 Mar 13, IRIB

Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei described the March 14 eighth parliamentary elections as a great nationwide test of dignity and sovereignty for the Iranian nation and the Islamic system.

In a speech to a large gathering of people from across the country Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei said the alert Iranian nation would frustrate the US-led global arrogance once more through an enthusiastic turnout in the politico-religious undertaking.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the relentless, wide propaganda of the global bullies to provoke apathy in the March 14 parliamentary elections stems from their animosity with Islam and the Islamic Republic.

"They are watching the great Iranian nation having hoisted the flag of Islamic awakening and dignity. For the same reason, they are advocating against any issue which helps promote dignity and welfare of Iran or the Iranians," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

American officials have recently tried to create doubts about the health of the upcoming elections so as to discourage people from voting. The reason behind such political and propaganda claims by the US is that the West is well aware of the important role of the people in preserving the Islamic republic because they know that true democracy is achieved only if people are the real deciders of their own fate.

The Islamic Revolution Leader touched on recent remarks by the American authorities that they were pursuing a further anti-Iranian resolution in the UNSC so that the Iranian people would be demoted from going to ballot, adding, "Those who are professing democracy are openly moving against the case of democracy and election in Iran because they have realized the ballot would set the stage of progress and strength of the Iranian nation."

"The alert and brave Iranian people however will go to ballot more emotionally than past and will forestall a plot by the international bullies to undermine the Islamic establishment," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The IR Leader said that of paramount importance in the eighth parliamentary elections was the coming about of a massive turnout, adding that over the past thirty years, the decisive presence of people had always stood a source of strength for the country and the government and had increasingly enlivened the revolutionary values and slogans.

The massive presence of people at the ballot boxes on Friday for the Parliamentary elections will create a powerful and courageous parliament. Such a parliament can stand against the relentless plots of the enemies.

Ayatollah Khamenei urged the people to consult aware and trustworthy individuals so that they would elect those lawmakers who are faithful and sincere, advocate justice and the underprivileged people, counter corruption and keep adherence to the line of Imam Khomeini and the Islamic values.