TEHRAN , Iran ( CNN ) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , whose re-election last month led to massive protests , on Tuesday called the balloting `` the most free election anywhere in the world . '' Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected last month , setting off days of protests . `` It was a great event , '' he said in a nationally televised address . The election , which opponents charge was rigged , was followed by street demonstrations and civil unrest that led to the deaths of at least 20 protesters and the arrest of more than 1,000 , according to Iranian state-run media . The numbers of casualties and arrests could not be independently verified by CNN because the Iranian government banned coverage by international journalists . The president , who said voter turnout was 85 percent , said opponents `` did not provide even one piece of document regarding irregularities or vote fraud . '' Without specifically mentioning the post-election violence , Ahmadinejad said criticism of government `` is the key to the success of a nation . '' Everyone has criticisms , he said . `` I have my own . '' But he accused the `` arrogant powers '' and `` enemies '' of Iran of interfering in his country 's affairs , including the post-election situation . Some Iranians collaborated with enemies , the president said . Ahmadinejad also said Tuesday he believes the government should be `` substantially '' reorganized . Although he did n't elaborate , he said the areas of employment , housing , development and civil rights were high on the agenda . `` [ We ] need to create newer capacities and prepare ourselves for this new period , '' he said , apparently referring to his upcoming second term in office . `` With this election , we have entered a new era ... in domestic spheres and on an international level , '' he added . He called it `` an era of solidarity . '' `` The government is at the service of the entire people , '' Ahmadinejad said . `` Things will be done in a better way , more effective way , so we can reach higher aspirations . '' He said experts have been invited to help the government achieve progress .
Iranian president calls recent vote ` ` most free election anywhere in the world '' In addition , he says freedom of government ` ` is the key to the success of a nation '' He accused ` ` arrogant powers '' and ` ` enemies '' of Iran of interfering in Iran 's affairs . Widespread protests in Iran in days after Ahmadinejad 's re - election .