Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged voters to turn out in large numbers in the presidential elections scheduled for Friday, while a number of candidates withdrew from these elections.
"This show of force will ease external pressures on the Islamic Republic," Khamenei said, and that lower participation would mean increased pressure on the country, especially economic.
"In less than 48 hours, a momentous event will take place in the country... With your presence and your vote, you will in fact determine the fate of the country on all major issues," Khamenei added in a televised speech.
The Iranian leader's statements came in light of the withdrawal of a number of presidential candidates affiliated with the conservative and reformist currents, as only 4 candidates were left in the competition, most notably conservative candidate Ibrahim Raisi and moderate candidate Abdel Nasser Hemmati.
Yesterday, Wednesday, two conservative and a third moderate candidates withdrew from among the 7 officially approved candidates, to form a clear electoral struggle between the conservative head of the judiciary, Ibrahim Raisi, and the reformist Abdel Nasser Hemmati, who was holding the position of central bank governor and resigned to fight the electoral battle.
Raisi, an ally of Supreme Leader Khamenei, is widely expected to succeed Hassan Rouhani, who will step down after two presidential terms.
Last month, the conservative Guardian Council approved seven candidates to run in Friday's elections and disqualified several prominent candidates, resulting in a list of two moderates and five conservatives.
Wednesday's announcement of the withdrawal of former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and conservative MP Alireza Zakani would mobilize conservative votes behind Raisi, and the withdrawal of moderate candidate Mohsen Mehr Alizadeh would also strengthen Hemmati's position.
Two other conservative candidates remain on the racetrack, but they may announce withdrawals or major support ahead of Friday's vote.
Official opinion polls indicate that the turnout may reach 41%, which is much lower than the previous elections.