Tasnim– Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on government officials to make concerted efforts for massive turnout in the presidential election due to be held in May.

“Today, an important election is ahead of us and the (country’s) officials have a heavy responsibility,” Rouhani said in a speech in Tehran on Saturday, addressing a gathering of government officials responsible for holding the presidential election, slated for May 19.

The president emphasized that all political groups and officials should encourage the people to cast their ballots.

“Elections are very important and very crucial to Iran’s grandeur,” he said, adding, “All of us should make efforts so that the people participate in the polls (en masse).”

Rouhani further highlighted the importance of unity among Iranians and said that in the sensitive conditions of the region and the world, the Islamic Republic’ situation is special and all Iranians should remain vigilant and united.

Last month, Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said, in his meeting with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader had stressed the need for plans to ensure the security of the upcoming presidential election by upholding the rule of law and attract the maximum number of voters.

In the last presidential election in 2013, more than 70 percent of 50 million eligible voters cast their ballots.