Tehran (AsiaNews) During today's afternoon homily Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, a substitute preacher in Tehran for Friday's prayer service, urged Muslim faithful to cast their votes at polling stations.
He said to vote is "a religious duty equal to the obligation of praying."
Dannati also holds the office of Secretary to the Council of Guardians, the body which watches over elections and interpretations of Iran's constitution. Ayatollah Jannati cited the words of Khomeini who said, "to disregard elections is a betrayal of Islam and your country".
The reference to the word "betrayal" worries many Iranians who want to express their dissatisfaction by abstaining from voting. There is much fear also regarding the fact that their voter I.D. cards will not be stamped if they don't cast their ballot.
The indirect threat and revolt is particularly in reference to the two main political parties who won the 2000 elections: the Organization of Mujahideen of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Iran Participation Front both of which have boycotted this year's elections.
Jannati accused those not wanting to vote of "weakening the governmental system" and having "superiority complexes".
He said, " Elect the parliamentary candidate who best represent your hopes and desires and who work to fight against corruption and injustice." He further asked polling station directors to watch out for ballot-rigging.
At the end of his sermon Ayatollah Jannati reminded faithful of the fatwa Khomeini decreed against the author of the book, Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie: "This fatwa is still in effect and is indisputable." (PB)