From Islam’s point of view, for progress in affairs, the masses should all be involved. By “republic we mean “the masses” and this is different to what is customarily known as democracy in the rest of the world that is, half plus one gaining the credit.

I believe that people can recognize this and will properly judge their affairs. It is these same people who at times of crisis will rush to defend their country and religious values, and show their Islamic honor. It is these same people who can exhibit the political grandeur of Islam and defend it.

Wherever the masses are not present, the principle of republicanism has not been observed, even if some may appear at the polling stations.

The imagination and interpretation of an individual or individuals who claim that the people or the majority are unable to have sufficient understanding of affairs is wrong, since the question of majority rule is part of Islam’s religious rulings and as such enjoys a privileged position.

Islam says, “Think, ponder, and then act and live with each other.” This means a republic; thus, no sensible mind would allow the will of a minority to have precedence over the majority. Just as the late Imam Khomeini (PBUH) insisted that the criterion should be the people’s vote and the real decision shall be taken by the people.