Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Tuesday for "high participation" in Friday's presidential election to replace Ebrahim Raisi, who died last month in a helicopter crash.

"We emphasize the importance of high participation (in the election) because it is the pride of the Islamic republic," Khamenei, 85, said in a televised speech. "In every election where the turnout was low, the enemies of the Islamic republic have denounced us."

Voters have the choice between six candidates, who were selected by the Guardian Council from 80 hopefuls.

AGENCIES VIA XINHUA