Iran presidential election: Voting hours extended amid robust turnout
The voting time in Iran’s presidential election has been extended for two hours amid the high turnout of Iranians across the country.
Polls for the 14th presidential election opened at 8 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) on Friday.
Mohsen Eslami, spokesperson for Iran’s election headquarters, announced that the voting hours have been extended for two hours.
Given the requests from polling stations from across the country, the voting will continue until 8:00 p.m. (1630 GMT) upon the directive of Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi, Eslami said.
The Interior Ministry had earlier said that the time may be extended if necessary.
‘Meaningful’ turnout in capital Tehran
Reports indicate that despite the sweltering heat in Tehran, residents are queuing up to cast their votes, Tehran Governor Alireza Fakhari told reporters.
It’s a common practice among Tehran’s populace to wait until evening hours to vote, he added.
“The turnout at the polls in Tehran province is notably meaningful and significant,” he said, adding that this participation will yield yet another triumph in this political test.
