Don’t Make Elections Partisan

Referring to the low turnout voters in the elections in recent years due to the public concerns over the mass disqualification of candidates, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid, the most influential Iranian Sunni leader stressed in the Eid al-Fitr ceremony of Zahedan in May 13, 2021 that parties with different backgrounds should have chance to participate in elections.

“It is in the interest of the country to have a high vision,” the Friday prayer leader of Sunnis in Zahedan addressed the Iranian officials.

“Disqualification of local council and presidential candidates damages the country. Thoughtful Iranians oppose mass disqualifications”, said the president of Darululoom Zahedan.

“Elections should not be limited to one party; hold the election freely. Let different classes with different views to participate in the presidential election”, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid urged.

“I am not saying that disqualified and weak people should be qualified, but those who have the capability and knowledge should be qualified. Let the people choose their favorite candidates. People know well whom to choose. People know who is in the interest of the country. Let everyone vote freely for the person and party they want”, said the prominent Iranian Sunni scholar.

Pointing out to the low turnout voters in the elections due to disqualification of candidates in recent years, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid said: “Forty-two years after the revolution, unfortunately we have witnessed a low turnout in elections held in recent years due to public concerns of both Shiites and Sunnis.”

“Poverty, unemployment economic crisis and decline of currency are among the other causes of public concerns”, the eminent scholar of Sistan-Baluchistan believed.

“Unfortunately we hear the large case of embezzling of public money and wealth and the authorities are unable to deal with these cases”, he complained.

Mawlana Abdol-Hamid further stated: “Why should the treasury of the country, which is the obvious right of the nation, be looted? Embezzlement is sometimes committed by the people who look to be pious and honest!”

“Embezzlement and corruption are dangerous and destroy the country,” he added more.

Sunnis want implementation of justice
The Iranian Sunnis leader pointed out to the problems that the Sunni community has been facing for decades and said: “Sunnis are Iranians and they are equal before the law. The constitution does not allow Sunnis to run for president, but legally Sunnis can be appointed as vice president, minister and etc. but unfortunately Iranian Sunnis have been deprived of these rights.”

“Depriving Sunnis of administrative posts due to the pressure of extremists damages the country. Iran belongs to all Iranians. We do not accept that Iran belongs to a particular group, religion or political side”, said the eminent Sunni leader of Iran.

“Sunnis of Iran only want the implementation of justice. If the authorities are just about the rights, we will have no more problems. Sunnis’ demands are according to the Shari’ah, logic and reason; we have no demands beyond these principles”, said the Friday Imam of Zahedan.

“Discrimination must be removed; discrimination is not accepted by Islam, law, reason and custom”, he added more.

Address the demands of the Sunnis first, and then expect them to participate in elections
Shaikh Abdol-Hamid addressed the officials by saying: “Some officials expect that Iranian Sunnis should cast vote more than their Shia countrymen; to put Sunnis ahead of Shiites in the elections, discrimination must be eliminated and Sunnis must be given freedom across the country.”

The most outstanding Iranian Sunni leader said: “The turnout of Sunni voters in elections has always been high, but after the elections, their demands weren’t addressed”.

“Who is above the law to deprive Sunnis of their rights? Are those who deprive Sunnis of their rights a government bureau, institution, party or figures?” Shaikh Abdol-Hamid questioned.

“Sunnis’ problems must be examined and solved. The issues of the Sunni community are among the most important issues in the country”, he urged.

The Friday Khateeb of Sunnis in Zahedan continued: “Iran is an Islamic country ruled by Shiite clerics; Sunni clerics have no role in running the country. If we, Sunni scholars, ruled the country, we would manage well. I swear to God, if the government was in the hands of the Sunnis, we would take care of the demands of our Shiite brothers in such a way that everyone would pray for us”, the Iranian Sunnis’ leader said.

Addressing the Shiite clerics, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “Treat the Sunnis well, because the history will judge your treatment with Sunnis.”

“Dear Shiites are our brothers and we always defend their rights and oppose division and discord”, said Shaikh Abdol-Hamid.

The international community should resolve Palestine-Israel issues fairly
Condemning the recent Israeli aggression against the Palestinians, president of Darululoom Zahedan said: “We strongly condemn the recent Israeli attacks on Palestinians and on Al-Aqsa Mosque. We hope that the international community will strive to prevent these severe attacks.”

Imam of the Grand Makki Mosque of Zahedan added: “The international community must resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue in a just way, so that the Palestinian people can achieve their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state for the Palestinians to return to their homeland.”

“Definitely this will have a great impact on global security, and it is the best way to fight terrorism”, he believed.