Going to polls essential: Iranian expatriates in Britain

Source: 
Islamic Republic News Agency
Publication date: 
May 10 2017

A number of Iranians residing in the British capital, London talking recently to IRNA highlighted the need for participation in the upcoming elections, describing it as renewal of their allegiance to their national identity.

Similar to their compatriots inside the country, for the Iranians living abroad the May 19 elections has turned to be the most important issue these days.

Thousands of kilometers away from their homeland, the Iranian expatriates anxiously follow all the issues, news and debates surrounding the presidential elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as, like their peers in the country, the future of the nation remains to important to them.

Reza Sheibani Chairman of British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA) believes that Iran enjoys a rigid and stable system.

“By relying on such a system Iran is able to address its domestic, international and economic issues as well as deciding about the general policies needed to run the country,” Sheibani told the Islamic Republic News Agency, referring to Iran’s independence.

Based on the same system, fortunately, it is not important who assumes the office of presidency in Iran, he said. 

Mohammad Reza Naderi, an Iranian expert in petroleum issues, on the other hand, expressed hope for the next President to solve economic problems and adopt a general strategy based on realities of the country.

“I hope the next government to decrease its dependence on oil revenues,” Naderi said.

Hassan Nemati, another Iranian living in London, was of the view that the next President should stick to his campaign promises.

“We expect our next president to fulfill promises he made during his campaign,” Nemati said.

The next President should also take care of the economic problems and youths affairs and prepare the ground for full implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, known also as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), he told IRNA. 

Ebrahim Raeisi, the custodian of Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine, Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mostafa Mirsalim and former vice president Mostafa Hashemi Taba, as well as President Hassan Rouhani are the six candidates to compete in May 19 presidential elections.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution which led to the fall of the Pahlavi regime, Iran has held one election each year on average all of which have witnessed large turnouts of the people.

Date: 10/05/2017

Source: http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82524114/