Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei has thanked the Iranian nation for its massive participation in the country’s recent twin elections.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei has thanked the Iranian nation for its massive participation in the country’s recent twin elections.

On Sunday, the Leader expressed gratitude for the “aware and determined” nation, whose turnout at the polls displayed “the brilliant face of religious democracy to the world.”

“I consider it my responsibility to express my gratitude to this public acknowledgement of the call made by the [country’s] Islamic establishment,” Imam Khamenei noted.

Among other things, the Leader also urged the voters to adopt “austerity, honesty, constant attendance to the position of responsibility, preference for national interests over personal and factional demands, and chivalrous resistance against foreign meddling.”

“The very sensitive times of the present call for the vigilance, awareness, and conviction of everyone, especially you the authorities.” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“The country’s advancement is the essential goal,” the Leader said, asserting, however, that “superficial advancement, which forgoes independence and national esteem is not acceptable.”

On Friday, Iran simultaneously held parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections. At least 33 million out of the 55 million eligible voters, or 60 percent, took part in the polls.