TEHRAN (Dispatches) -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Sunday said Iranian people have removed the specter of war, dismissing claims that it was the achievement of a certain administration.  
"Sometimes we hear and have heard in the past that certain individuals say, ‘when we came along and assumed responsibility, we managed to take away the shadow of war over the country,’” the Leader told a group of workers here.
"No. These statements are not right. It is the presence of the people that has removed the shadow of war, and not the authorities,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
"When you see that the impertinent and bull-necked enemies are refraining from taking any harsh action against the Islamic Republic, it is because of the presence of the people. They fear the people. They are literally afraid,” the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks came ahead of the presidential election in Iran on May 19 which is expected to be a close race.
The Leader said, "The beloved Iranian people should know that their presence in various arenas is determining. It is determining for national security; if the people come to the scene, the country will remain secure."
"When the people are present at the scene, the enemy which seeks to confront the establishment has to beat a retreat and forgo an encroachment," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
"When a gap is created between the nation and the establishment and the nation is not present at the scene, they (the enemies) can do whatever they want," the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei further advised candidates in the upcoming presidential election to consider lofty objectives in their campaigns.
"You should lend divine character to your intentions. They should not be for the power; they should be for the service (of the people). Enter the battleground to serve the people, especially the weak classes.”
"Everyone should know that we cannot make this country prosper unless we invest in Jihadi and revolutionary endeavors,” the Leader added.
Some 55 million people are eligible to vote in the presidential election which is contested by six candidates, including incumbent Hassan Rouhani.
In his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei called on the Iranians to go to the polls and cast their ballots.
"I never say whom you should elect. But I call on you to turn out at the ballot boxes and vote. Everybody who loves this country and its security, should show up at the ballot boxes."
The Leader said, "Those who are in charge of the elections, whether the Interior Ministry, the Guardian Council, the IRIB, or elsewhere, they must protect and guard what is entrusted to them--the ballots, and the people's participation.”
Ayatollah Khamenei added, "The utmost precautions must be taken to protect and guard the vote, in case, God forbid, some want to violate this trust."
"The law should be enforced accurately. No exception is to be accorded with regard to the law. The law is the law, it's the same for everyone, with no exception. By accurately enforcing the law, a right and desirable occupation, satisfactory in front of God, can be accomplished.”
The Leader went on to say that the main manifestation of the people's presence is during the elections, adding the people know the Islamic Republic endeavors for their glory, security and progress
"The Islamic Republic has secured this country from the intrusion of enemies, and this shall not be taken lightly. It is a great accomplishment."