Iranian Elections Heat Up
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Voting has begun for Irans Presidential election
Polling has gone under away for what is expected to be one of the closest elections in Iranian history.
Current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faces stiff competition in the shape of Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Mr Mousavi has previously spoken out against Mr Ahmadinejad in particular finding fault with his foreign policies and economic track-record.
A record turnout is expected for the elections, with 46 million eligible voters ready to cast their ballots. Iran’s interior ministry said of the elections: “Polling started nationwide at 8:00 am (0330GMT) We are expecting our dear citizens to come forward and vote in the early hours,” reported The Daily Telegraph.
The run up to the election has been closer in style to those normally associated with western campaigns. Television debates and sprawling street rallies have been the order of the day. News stations were set to make visits to polling stations in the morning, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the spiritual leader of Iran who maintains complete political authority, was due to be amongst the very first voters.
There will be 45,000 polling booths available and with the high turnout expected it is thought they will stay open up till midnight. The results could be in as soon as 24 hours after final votes have been cast, however a preliminary result could come as early as the following morning.
Both main candidates have strong supporters. Mr Mousavi, who embraced a very modern campaign including the use of the internet and mobile phones, is thought to have the younger, middle-class vote while the working-class, rural side of Iran is believed to lean towards Mr Ahmadinejad.
With little space between the candidates the election could go into a run-off if no clear victor emerges. If this does occur the run-off will take place on 19 June.
