TEHRAN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian voters on Friday went to the polling stations across the country hoping to elect a president that would fulfill their expectations, particularly one of prominence in the fields of economy and foreign policy.
Standing in a line in a school-turned-polling center in the capital Tehran, people from different walks of life and generations, enduring the scorching heat in the summer afternoon, awaited their turn to cast their ballot.
Iran's 14th presidential election, initially set for 2025, was rescheduled as the unexpected death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in late May put a premature end to the 13th Iranian government.
Stepping out of the ballot station with fingerprint ink still on his forefinger, Sadeq, 43, said he cared most about the agenda and plans by the next executive head of Iran for improving the economy.
The man, also a journalist and a father of one, told Xinhua that the U.S.-led sanctions are to blame for Iran's economic problems, of which the country's low-income and vulnerable population bears the brunt.
Sadeq hoped that the president to be elected would establish good foreign relations in general and redress the "distorted picture" of the country shown by Western and Israeli media to the world.
He suggested continuing the good practices of the previous government, such as promoting relations with friendly and like-minded states, especially the neighboring and Asian ones, thus reducing the adverse impacts of the sanctions.
"What I hope is lifting the cruel sanctions, which have prevented Iran from using its real capacities and restricted its trade with the world," said Sadeq.
He, however, argued, "The next government can implement measures to improve the national economy despite the sanctions, as Iran possesses numerous capacities, rich natural resources, and skilled workforce."
Concurring with Sadeq's viewpoint, Mohadesseh, 22, an election observer of Iran's Constitutional Council at the polling station, also highlighted the roles of domestic capacities and resources in reviving the economy.
She expressed hope that "the next government would lift the sanctions in an honorable manner and without making concessions to any parties or activities that cross the Islamic establishment's red lines."
Another voter, Amir-Hadi, 45, said he hoped that the next administration could continue improving relations with regional and neighboring countries, especially Saudi Arabia, "an influential power in West Asia."
Holding her four-year-old daughter's hand while waiting for her turn to vote, Fatemeh, 38, said, "I expect the next president to set realistic targets and be honest with the people, speaking to them about the existing problems frankly."
She added that the next president should prioritize ensuring economic stability through, among other ways, removing the sanctions and addressing people's concerns.
There should be greater support for domestic production and for Iran's younger generations to use their creativity to contribute greatly to the country's development.
"Iranian people love their country. I have a daughter whose future is my main concern … I expect the next administration to improve the country's economic and cultural situations and better prepare Iran for the next generations," she noted.■