Canada, which harps on democracy, bars thousands of Iranians from voting: Interim FM

Iran's Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says Canada has refused to allow Iranian expatriates to cast votes in the presidential election despite all its claims to defend democracy.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Iran's election headquarters abroad on Friday, Bagheri Kani added that Canada displayed its true nature to the world.

"Unfortunately, Canada was the only country that prevented the advancement of the Islamic Republic of Iran's process of democracy in the world," he said.

He emphasized that Canada considers itself to be at the forefront of advocating human rights but it openly created obstacles in the way of hundreds of thousands of Iranian expatriates willing to determine their fate.

Despite all efforts by Iran's Foreign Ministry, the Canadian government continues its hostility and confrontation with the Iranian people and once more proved its adherence to hollow claims, Bagheri Kani added.

Voting underway in Iran presidential election with reports showing high turnout

Reports indicate a strong voter turnout in Iran

The top Iranian diplomat pointed to the "proper" procedure of holding the snap election abroad and expressed hope the process will continue until the end.

On Friday, Iranians headed to the polls to cast their ballots in the presidential election that will determine who will be in charge of the country’s executive branch for the next four years.

People from all walks of life are taking part in the election to vote for their desired candidate from among four presidential hopefuls following the withdrawal of two candidates.

Canada broke off diplomatic ties with Iran and closed its Tehran embassy in a surprise move in 2012, citing various reasons, including Iran’s support for Syria, its nuclear work, and alleged threats to the Israeli regime.

The relevant government in Canada has not granted permission for the Iranian presidential election to be held in the country.

However, with the coordination of the Office for the Protection of Iran's Interests in Washington, polling stations have been set up in the border region of the US and Canada to allow Iranians in Canada to exercise their voting rights.

'Passionate participation': Iranians abroad flock to polls for snap election

The Iranian official overseeing electoral processes abroad hails that expatriates have been staging a “lively” participation in the country’s presidential election.

Iranians turned threats into opportunity

Elsewhere in his remarks, Bagheri Kani hailed the massive participation of the Iranian people in the funeral procession held for late President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as well as six of their companions who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on May 19.

He said the Iranian people displayed their solidarity and coherence through their huge participation which astonished the world when the country was at a critical juncture.

The nation managed to turn threats into opportunities for the Islamic Revolution's progress, he added.

The interim foreign minister noted that Iranians promoted democracy in the country by participating in the presidential election and "created very special conditions."

Bagheri Kani said proper grounds have been prepared for all Iranian nationals living abroad to participate in the snap presidential election and called on them to attend the "big festival of Islamic democracy."

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