Polls have closed in Iran’s first election since a deal with world powers over the country’s nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions.Voting was extended three times as crowds reportedly flocked to polling stations.
” Doors of polling stations for Iran’s parliamentary elections concluded closed at 23:45 hours local time on Friday after being extended five times as voters queued up in long lines to cast their ballots”. reports IRNA.
Turnout was said to be high.
Iranians have been electing a new Parliament and Assembly of Experts, a clerical body that appoints the Supreme Leader. Reformists are hoping to gain influence in the conservative-dominated bodies.
But of 12,000 people who registered as candidates, only half were allowed to stand, including just 200 moderates. The outcome could affect reformist President Hassan Rouhani’s chances of re-election in 2017.
Results for the Assembly of Experts are expected over the weekend.
While the results of the Parliamentary election could take longer and it is likely to go to a second round in April.