Iran: Polls Open, Khamenei Calls for High Turnout

Iran

June 18th, 3:48am

Asharq Al-Awsat

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wears a face mask as he casts his ballot on June 18, 2021. (Photo by Atta KENARE / AFP) Tehran, , Iran (AFP Photos)

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has called for a high turnout in the country's presidential election on Friday, in a contest likely to be won by a judge fiercely loyal to the religious establishment. "Each vote counts ... come and vote and choose your president ... this is important for the future of your country," said Khamenei after casting his vote in the capital Tehran. State television showed long queues outside polling stations in several cities. Hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, 60, a close ally of Khamenei, is favorite to succeed the incumbent Hassan Rouhani, forbidden under the constitution from serving a third four-year term. Polls close at midnight (1930 GMT), and possibly two hours later, with results expected around noon Saturday.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3033861/iran-polls-open-khamenei-calls-high-turnout