humiliating
their enemies with their strong presence in
elections

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
on Saturday thanked the Iranian people for their strong presence in
the 9th presidential polls and its runoff election, held nationwide
on June 17 and June 24 respectively.

In a message issued after official announcement of the election
results, Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated the Iranian nation and the
president-elect on his landslide victory.

Ahmadinejad swept to the presidential post with a stunning 17,046,441
votes but his rival and Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi
Rafsanjani gained 9,841,346 out of a total of 27,536,069 votes cast
in the runoff election.

"You, through a magnificent display of national solidarity and public
participation, have proved your firm resolve to defend national
independence and bravely safeguard the interests of the country and
of the Islamic Republic establishment," Ayatollah Khamenei said in
his message.

The Leader said high voters' turnout proved the strength and
power of the Iranian nation to the ill-wishers and hostile enemies.

Ayatollah Khamenei said high public presence on the scene also
presented a remarkable image of national solidarity and public
participation.

Elections mark the era of enthusiasm and anxiety, said Ayatollah
Khamenei, adding that with end of the election, the excitement and
fervor should be replaced by dignity, friendship and cooperation.

The message said that after weeks of rhetoric and listening, it is
now the time for work and action.

Until he officially takes office, the president-elect will have the
golden opportunity to work immediately on the projects which will
help him fulfill his grave responsibilities, said the Leader.

The Leader said all officials and elite in different sectors
should consider assistance to the president-elect as their human and
Islamic duty.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the "influential and key" role of
presidential hopefuls in creation of the big national epic is
"undeniable" and all should appreciate them for this.

"I congratulate the elected president Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for
taking on this critical responsibility ... I sincerely thank all
candidates, especially Hojatoleslam Hashemi Rafsanjani, who is among
the assets of the revolution and a prominent figure, and I hope my
dear brother would always like to be present on important scenes."
Concluding his message, Ayatollah Khamenei thanked all people
involved in such a "big test", especially the religious dignitaries,
academics, people from various social, political and cultural walks
of life, the mass media, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran's
Broadcasting (IRIB), reporters, Guardian Council, Interior Ministry,
governors general, governors, the executive and supervisory
officials, police, the security, intelligence and judicial officials.
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wa-salamu-alaikum-warahmatullahi wa barakatuh