Iran Counting Votes in Parliamentary Elections

The semi-official Fars news agency says preliminary results show conservatives winning at least 70 percent of the seats in the 290-seat legislature.

Government officials say more than 65 percent of Iran's 44 million eligible voters cast ballots in the elections.

With many reformist candidates disqualified by Iran's Guardian Council, the election came down to staunch supporters of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and conservatives who want Iran to take a more moderate approach in dealing with the West on its controversial nuclear program.

That faction could also challenge Mr. Ahmadinejad on his handling of Iran's economy, which has suffered from high inflation and unemployment, along with fuel shortages.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department said results from the elections were rigged, because voters were not able to cast ballots for a full range of candidates.

Officials say it could be several days before the final vote totals are announced.

Source: By VOA News