Hassan Ghashghavi, deputy foreign minister in charge of consular affairs, said on Sunday that other countries must help Iran in holding a free and fair presidential election.
“I urge the governments of Western and American countries to help Iran’s embassies and consulates in holding the next version of Islamic Republic’s presidential election.” Hassan Ghashghavi, the former spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry told a press-conference on Sunday.
He also went on to highlight the important roles of Iranian immigrants in the destiny of their country. “We believe all Iranians have entitled in electing a new president for Islamic Republic. Even that group of Iranians who are currently living in other countries can take advantage of this opportunity, according to Islamic Republic’s constitution.” Ghashghavi added.
“The Foreign Ministry of Iran is planning to hold the upcoming presidential election in other 120 countries too. Iranians, who are traveling or living in other nations, can cast their ballots by carrying their own Iranian passports.” Hassan Ghashghavi concluded.
Iran’s embassies and consulates in other nations are responsible for casting people’s ballots. According to official statistics, about 4.5 million Iranians are currently residing in other countries. Most of them are living in the United States, Canada, Australia and European countries.
Base on unofficial surveys, most of Iranians who are living in European and American countries are in favor of reformist presidential candidates. Recently, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran’s ex-president, announced his nomination for presidential election. Reformist political parties have repeatedly declared their support for Rafsanjani.