Iran opposition complains of election 'infractions'

Image
AFP Tehran
Last Updated : May 19 2017 | 8:22 PM IST
Before voting had even concluded in Iran's presidential election today, the head of the opposition campaign complained of multiple "infractions" and called for an intervention by authorities.
The campaign chief for hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi said there had been "propaganda actions by certain officials and supporters of the government" in favour of President Hassan Rouhani, who is seeking re-election.
"Such infractions are immoral actions that violate people's rights," said Ali Nikzad.
Iranian election rules state that no one can seek to influence voters once the campaign finishes 24 hours before the polls open.
Another official in Raisi's campaign said there had been 219 infractions so far today, and that not enough ballot papers had been distributed in areas thought to favour Raisi, including his home city of Mashhad.
There was no immediate comment from Rouhani's team.
The conservative-dominated Guardian Council must validate the results of election.
Meanwhile, officials announced they would keep polling stations open for an extra two hours on Friday evening after many people queued for hours to cast their ballots in the presidential and council elections.
Rouhani, a moderate cleric who has sought to rebuild relations with the world, has been leading in unofficial polls but faces a tough battle for re-election against Raisi, who has called for a tougher approach to the West and more support for the poor.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 19 2017 | 8:22 PM IST

Next Story