TEHRAN: Iranians were voting for a new president yesterday, with reformists hoping their sole candidate can win against a divided field of conservatives, four years after the disputed re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
No turnout figures had been given by late afternoon, but the Interior Ministry reported a “rush of voters” and said polling stations would remain open beyond the planned 1330 GMT closing time to accommodate them. More than 50.5 million people are eligible to vote for the man — no women were allowed to run — to succeed Ahmadinejad, who is constitutionally barred from standing for a third term.
As they choose from among a field of six candidates for the presidency, they will also elect municipal councilors.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has called for a large turnout but not announced a preference for any candidate, voted early.
“Inshallah (God willing), the Iranian people will create a new political epic. I advise all people to vote,” he said after casting his ballot.
Khamenei also attacked the United States for questioning the legitimacy of the election.
“The hell with you” who do not agree with the way the election is being run, Khamenei said on national television. “The Iranian people ... will do what is in their interest.”
There are no foreign observers, but Iran says it has issued visas to 205 foreign reporters and cameramen to cover the election.
If no candidate secures more than half of the votes for an outright victory yesterday, the top two vote getters will square off in a final vote on June 21.
The first results are expected today.
Reformists hopeful as Iran votes for new president
