Iran votes for new president

Sat, 15 June 2013

TEHRAN — Millions of Iranians voted for a new president yesterday, four years after the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. No nationwide turnout figures were available by early evening, 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. It first ordered a two-hour extension, then added another hour, with polls now set to close at 1630 GMT.

In Tehran province, the official responsible for elections said turnout there at 1400 GMT — two and a half hours before the close of polls — was "higher than it was four years ago". Safar Ali Baratlou was quoted by the media as saying "it will certainly reach 70 per cent". Officials elsewhere reported turnout of at least 70 per cent. In 2009, nationwide participation reached 85 per cent. More than 50.5 million people are eligible to vote for the man 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 councillors. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had called for a large turnout, 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.

Results are expected today, but if no candidate secures more than half of the votes for an outright victory, the top two will square off in a final round of voting on June 21.

"It's a duty. I hope the next president can do something for us, and for the workers. I will vote for Qalibaf because he is a good mayor. I hope the promises he made will come true," said a 50-year-old woman, who declined to give her name. Former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was disqualified from standing, urged a large turnout. Analysts say that should increase Rowhani's chances of putting up a credible showing. Rafsanjani, who has thrown his weight behind Rowhani, said "we hope the election result will lead to national cohesion... since cohesion is a requirement for success against foreign and domestic dangers".

The campaign has been dominated by Iran's nuclear programme and an economy devastated by harsh international sanctions over that programme. Inflation is raging at more than 30 per cent, the rial has lost nearly 70 per cent of its value and unemployment is rising. Rowhani was Iran's top nuclear negotiator under ex-president Mohammad Khatami, who has also endorsed him. He has a "softly softly" approach to negotiations with world powers in the hope of reducing the impact of sanctions.

The conservative camp is split, with no single name to the fore. Velayati says his aim is to improve Iran's relations with the outside world, including talks with world powers, but Jalili has a strict policy that rules out concessions. Casting his vote in southern Tehran, Velayati said a high turnout would "translate into further support for the Islamic republic". — AFP