can you see and edit this…?

9:57  Expediency Council Head Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani votes in Jamaran, Tehran, saying “today is not less than the ‘Night of Qadr (the night when the Qoran was first revealed to Mohammad).” He said the peoples’ votes shows their attention to the country’s destiny and is a source of credibility for Iran (BBC Persian)

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9:48 Election Central Supervision Spokesperson Siamak Rahpayk explains vote, says successful candidates must have at least 25% of vote for winning a seat.   If there are still open seats w/no 25% winner, there will be a runoff. But in Experts Assembly election a plurality of votes is sufficient, with no need for specific percentage (BBC Persian)

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8:53: Guardian Council Director General for Elections says so far no hardware/software problems relating to elections, no electoral violations so far. If there are such violations, they are at the local level and can be dealt with locally (BBC Persian)

—-

8:38: Judiciary Head Sadeq Lairjani votes, thanks the people for their presence at the voting booths and says that support of the regime and the Leader is the Iranian nation’s clear message in this election.  He says the White House must know that for 37 years the Iranian nation has spoke its mind to the world and the Iranian nation always says ‘no’ to the wishes of the White House when it votes. (BBC Persian)

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8:21:  President Rouhani votes, tells press voting is good because “one can be at the voting station and benefit from so doing for the next four to eight years.  What (similar) valuable experiences are there where with one hour of effort, one benefits for four or eight years? (BBC Persian)

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8:19 TT - Ayatollah Khamenei votes in front of the cameras almost as soon as polls are open. He tells press that voting is good, and that “elections must be such that the enemy is disappointed and downcast.” (BBC Persian)

800 AM Tehran Time - Voting Boothes Open, here we go.  Iran’s Election head announces that voting will go from 8 AM until at least 6 PM, but could go longer based on need.

TIME PASSES..

(and we’re done)

 …ببینیم چه میشود

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22:08 – Tehran :   In his first television appearance as president-elect, President-elect Rohani  congratulated  the “proud nation of Iran, lacing his comments with the requisite mentions of the Leader’s ‘political epic (highlights follow).

“I thank God that once again the sun of reason and moderation is shining on Iran and the sound of unity and solidarity of this nation is ringing throughout the world.”

“I congratulate you [the Iranian people] for the epic of your presence and effective and meaningful participation in the elections, in the way of fulfilling your religious and national duties and in responding to the call of His Excellency the Supreme Leader.”

 -  “without a doubt, you are the victors of this election” for having taken “a great and determined step towards national honor and interests and management based on moderation, reform, and measure/temperance (his key word of tadbir).”

He said, “You have shown that God only brings about change in a nation which wishes it,” and he spoke of the victory of “wisdom and moderation” over “extremism and bad behavior.”

He gave particular thanks to Rafsanjani and Khatami, whom he described as “bright figures of the regime.” He said to the Iranian nation, “I will stay true to the pact I have made with you.”

In other parts of this speech he said:

- Doubtless this esteemed presence on the political scene will bring a message of peace and stability and hope to the economic front too, creating a source of support for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, and a wave of motion and blessing towards creating production and jobs.

Now, on the threshold of this new era, a new opportunity has been created in the international forum too, where those who truly nurture democracy and the customs of interaction and open dialogue, seeing this glorious popular epic, will speak to this great Iranian nation in a language of respect and fairness and acceptance of the rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran, so that they can hear an appropriate reply and with effort towards expanding relations based on the mutual interests, will elevate the peace, security and development in the region and the world.

- I believe that with the efforts of the people a new era of empathy has begun.  

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21:23 – Tehran: President Ahmadinejad congratulated Rohani, Leader Khamenei, and the Iranian nation in a message released by the Presidency’s news service. He said, “I have always deeply believed in the vast and endless capacities of the Iranian nation for development and greatness,” adding, “I believe that all peaks of glory can be conquered by believing and trusting in the Iranian nation and by respecting different interests and sensibilities.”

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Ruhani Campaign Hqs in Mashhad…

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21:08 – Tehran: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei released a statement which extolled the Iranian nation for neutralizing enemies’ plans through its “political epic” for several paragraphs before congratulating Rohani and advising him (and the nation) of several points. The statement said, “The true victor of the election is the great Iranian nation” whose presence at the ballot boxes had put on display “Islamic Iran’s determined and hopeful face for friends and foes.” He said that the people’s participation in the election had shown the “strong link between Iran and Iranians, and the Islamic regime.” Khamenei’s points to Rohani and the nation:

 1. Now that the election is over, “The excitement and fervor of the days and weeks of rivalry must give way to cooperation and friendship. […] No emotion, whether joyfulness or sadness, must push individuals to unwise acts or comments. […] Do not allow ill-wishers to make the people’s feelings the instruments of their foul wishes.”

 2. “The elected president is the president of the whole nation,” and all must help and cooperate with him.

 3. “After weeks of speaking and listening, it is now time for work.” The president-elect should use the time before his inauguration to make the necessary preparations.

 4. He thanked the other candidates, without whose presence and efforts the political epic would not have been accomplished.

 5. He thanked the nation, senior clerics, university professors, political figures, and others for their efforts and their calls to participate in the elections; and state bodies and agencies involved in organizing and overseeing the elections.

 6. He expressed his special gratitude to state radio-television which had informed the public and created a particular excitement for the elections.

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2128: ISNA carried the congratulatory statements of all the losing candidates (Jalili, Rezaei, Gharazi, Qalibaf and Velayati) to Ruhani :

Velayati: “the epical presence of the great Iranian nation in the 11^th Presidential elections displayed our national unity and in this critical time, strengthened our national security and robbed our nation’s enemies of hope…The main winners…are our wise people who responded to the invitation of our beloved leader and created a political epic….It is hoped that during your term the basic of ‘religious democracy,” a legacy of our departed Imam [Khomeini] is strengthened and the Supreme Leader’s discourse of “Justice and Progress” is realized, and….weak points are eliminated and by pursuing a strategy of “smart resistance” we persist in our nuclear rights and achievements….”

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21:19 ISNA, Rezaei released a short statement to laud the political epic and to congratulate Rohani on his victory, saying “To Hojjatoleslam Doctor Hassan Rohani I say congratulations and ask of God Almighty your success in crossing over from the problems of today into a bright future for the country.” He continued with a message to the people of Iran, saying “given your repeated requests that I submit my programs to the future government, I must say that I will not hold back on any effort to represent you in alleviating your lives’ hardships.”

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2116 ISNA:  Saeed Jalili has congratulated Hassan Ruhani, saying “The Islamic Republic of Iran…has once again on 24 Khordad 1392 (June 14 2013) shown the put its Republicanism, based on the discourse of pure Islam, giving a glorious display of free elections based on a model of religious democracy.” He congratulated the great nation of Iran for creating another epic, congratulated the Supreme Leader for making such an epic possible. He also wished success to the elected President Hassan Ruhani thanked him for his defense of the rights and ideals of the Iranian people and for bringing about the elevation and pride of the sacred regime of the Islamic Republic, and congratulated him for gaining the confidence of the Iranian nation.

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21:01 – Tehran: The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Corporation (IRIB) declared that Rohani Campaign Manager Mohammad-Reza Nematzadeh will appear live on tonight’s View on One at 11 PM on channel 1.  

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Jalili tweet: “Congratulations to Dr. Hassan Ruhani for receiving a majority of the people’s votes. Everyone must help the elected candidate in serving the people.”

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0:33 Mehr:  2^nd Place Finisher Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf released a message addressed to Rohani in congratulations, saying “I pray for success in your service of our honorable country.” He called the election “one the biggest epics in the history of Iran.” He added “The expectations of the nation of Iran is that the incoming government will appreciate this great epic, and put forth all of your efforts to realize the economic epic.”

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20:48 – Tehran: Mohammad-Reza Aref congratulated Rohani for his victory in a message in which he referred to the new president as “my dear brother” and told him that the people’s trust had been placed on his shoulders, adding, “After the political epic […], it is the turn of an economic epic and the handling of the country’s problems, which is not possible without the solidarity and cooperation of all the dear people and various political and social currents […].” He reminded Rohani, “This success is the victory of the discourse of Reformism and moderation.” 

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FINAL NUMBERS

20:20 – Tehran: Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar announced Hojjatoleslam Dr. Hassan Rohani as the winner of the 1392 Presidential Election, with 50.71% of the votes in the first round. He said that turnout was 72.7%, with 50,483,192 eligible voters and 36,704,156 votes cast. He gave the following final official vote count and percentages:

•  Rohani: 18 613 329 (50.71%)
• Qalibaf: 6 077 292 (16.56%)
• Jalili: 4 168 946 (11.36%)
• Rezaei: 3 884 412 (10.58%)
• Velayati: 2 268 753 (6.18%)
• Gharazi: 446 015 (1.22%)

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Press TV announces Rouhani victory, gives the standard bio:

Hassan Rohani has won Iran’s 11th presidential election following a vote that saw mass popular turnout on June 14.

Of the 36, 704,156 votes tallied, Rohani won a total of 18,613,329 votes, securing 50.70 percent of the vote. 

The newly-elected Iranian president was born into a religious family on November 13, 1948 in the city of Sorkheh in Semnan Province. 

Rohani started his religious education in 1960 at Semnan Seminary. One year later, he moved to the holy city of Qom. In 1969, he was admitted to Tehran University and received his BA in law after three years. Rohani earned his MA and PhD in law from Glasgow Caledonian University. 

Rohani was involved in the struggle against the Pahlavi regime as a young man. After Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s return from exile in France in 1979, Rohani was politically active in Europe. He held question-and-answer sessions with students in Britain and France. 

Rohani was elected to parliament following the establishment of the Islamic Republic and served as a lawmaker for five consecutive terms until 2000. He held positions such as deputy Majlis Speaker and head of the Defense and Foreign Policy committees. 

During the 1980-1988 Iraqi imposed war, Rohani served as member of the High Council of Defense, commander of the Iran Air Defense and deputy commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. 

Rohani currently represents Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in the Supreme National Security Council, and is member of the Expediency Council and the Assembly of Experts. He is also President of the Expediency Council’s Center for Strategic Research. 

Rohani speaks fluent English, Arabic and Persian and has written nearly 100 books and articles as well as conducting 700 different research projects. 

Books: 

- National Security and Nuclear Diplomacy 
- National Security and Iran Economic System 
- Political Thoughts of Islam 
- Memoirs 
- Introduction to the History of Shia Imams 
- Capacity Age and Legal Responsibility 
- Acquaintance with Muslim States 
- Islamic Revolution; Roots and Challenges 
- Fundamentals of Political Thoughts of Imam Khomeini 
- National Security and the Environment 
- The Islamic Legislative Power 
- The Flexibility of Shariah; Islamic Law

Articles: 

- Beyond Iran-IAEA Challenges in Nuclear Dossier 
- National Sovereignty Concept 
- Terrorism, Middle East Crisis and Iran-US Relations 
- The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Strategies Vis-à-vis US Threats 
- Public Security, National Security and Challenges 
- Challenges to New Iraq 

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2020 ISNA:   HASSAN RUHANI ELECTED PRESIDENT BY THE IRANIAN PEOPLE:

Based on the final vote count Hassan Ruhani, with 18,613, 329 votes of the total vote counts cast in the first round, was elected by the people to be President for the next four years.

Turnout was 72%

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0821: entering the home stretch, supposed to be an announcement w/in the hour

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19:54 – Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province: Rohani Campaign Spokesman in Khorasan Razavi Province Mohammad Hosseini warned, “Given that the definite results of the presidential election have not been determined, we ask supporters to maintain calm and not engage in any event or celebration.” He said some individuals had sent emails or SMS messages about such celebrations to “destroy Hojjatoleslam Rohani’s image and excite the people” but that “this campaign has not made any such call so far, and any gathering will take place after the official election results are announced by relevant authorities and after necessary licenses have been obtained.”

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This cartoon by Shahrokh Haydari is getting a lot of play…

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‘After the end of the vote count, Mr. Jalili will issue a statement congratulating the Iranian people for their glorious presence in the elections.’

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celebration in Shiraz? (usual caveats about unreliability of videos…)

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1908: Fars: The Interior Ministry’s latest announcement

 32,189,621 total votes counted

31,106,865 valid votes counted

 1. Ruhani: 16,413,281 (50.989%)

• 2. Qalibaf: 5,073,281 (15.76%)
• 3. Saeed Jalili: 3,593,507 (11.39%)
• 4. Mohsen Rezaei: 3,593,507 (11.16%)
• 5. Ali Akbar Velayati: 1,969,351 (6.12%) 
• 6. Seyyed Mohammad Gharazi: 391,840 (1.22%)

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19:01 – Tehran: Domestic press reported that the Central Executive Electoral Board, which will declare the final election results, had convened at the Interior Ministry minutes earlier. The board is chaired by Interior Minister Najjar, and other members include Prosecutor General Mohseni-Ejei and Intelligence Minister Moslehi.

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18:00 – Tehran : The national currency continued to gain strength against the dollar and gold:

US Dollar, open market: 3,470 tomans down from 3,479 at midday and down 4% from 3,625 on Thursday (according to domestic and international news reports and sources.)

Bahareh Azadi gold coin, open market: 1,220,000 tomans, down from 1,245,000 at midday and down 4.6% from 1,306,000 on Thursday

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16:50 – Tehran: Mohammad-Reza Aref released a statement saying, “Today all Iranians, of all tribes, religions, currents, and ideologies, have a part in this epic, and we must not forget that the factor behind this unity and participation was ‘hope,’ hope for a better tomorrow,” adding, “I hope that this participation is the start of a new season of solidarity, Reformism, and ethics in the shadow of rationality and moderation, and that the next government will be able to bring about a better tomorrow for dear Islamic Iran.” 

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1734 Fars – The Basij has issued a statement congratulating the Supreme Leader and the Iranian people for carrying out a glorious election, saying that the 24^th of Khordad (June 14) was a political epic and a day that will be recorded in the annals of the Revolution:

The presence of millions of Iranian men and women throughout the world at the ballot box and the maximum participation of the wise and aware Iranian nation has once again proven to the world the righteousness of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the deep bond between the ‘Ommat’ and ‘Imamate’ [Islamic people and their religious leaders].  The 24^th of Khordad (June 14) was a political epic and a day that will be recorded in the annals of the Revolution, as it thrust the vote of confidence of the people for their Iranian Islamic electoral system in the face of those lying Western claimants of freedom and liberal democracy, highlighting the deep bonds and affection of the Ummat for the Velayat.’

حضور میلیون‌ها مرد و زن ایرانی در سراسر جهان در پای صندوق‌های رای و مشارکت حداکثری ملّت آگاه و هوشیار، بار دیگر حقانیت نظام مقدس جمهوری اسلامی ایران و ارتباط عمیق امت و امامت را بر جهانیان ثابت نمود. 24 خرداد روز حماسه سیاسی و روزی ماندگار در صحیفه انقلاب گردید تا رای اعتماد آحاد مردم را به نظام انتخاباتی ایران اسلامی را به رخ مدعیان آزادی و لیبرال – دمکراسی دروغین غرب کشیده و انسجام و همدلی توده‌های ملت و عشق و علاقه وافر امت به ولایت را بنمایاند.  …

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1730: Mehr: The Interior Ministry’s latest announcement

27,594,719 total votes counted

26,682,084 valid votes counted

• 1. Ruhani: 14,020,139 (50.8%)
• 2. Qalibaf: 4,369,985 (15.84%)
• 3. Saeed Jalili: 3,163,211 (11.46%)
• 4. Mohsen Rezaei: 3,129,444 (11.34%)
• 5. Ali Akbar Velayati: 1,673,200 (6.06%) 
• 6. Seyyed Mohammad Gharazi: 326,105 (1.18%)

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latest from IPOS: 

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16:31 ISNA – More from Tehran Majlis Rep Ahmad Tavakoli:  Referring to Iran’s strategic documents that determine its policies, he said the victory of any candidate won’t bring about a fundamental change in foreign policy or the nuclear issue, although a President’s strategy of diplomacy can influence the degree of success of the Islamic Republic.” 

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15:47 – Tehran: Speaker Ali Larijani told Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV, considered pro-Hezbollah and pro-Islamic Republic, “As you know the nuclear dossier is a very sensitive issue in Iran. All walks of life and segments in society share a consensus on it. The Westerners have made strategic mistakes regarding the Iranian nuclear dossier, because they have not understood that there is a national consensus on it.” 

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16:08 – Tehran: The Armed Forces General Staff released a statement saying the Iranian nation had followed the Leader’s orders in creating a political epic, thereby “astounding the enemy” despite “psychological operations of media outlets linked to the hegemonic regime and world arrogance.” The statement said, “Without doubt, the creation of such an epic, on a level beyond the calculations of the enemies’ think tanks, can get the regime and the Islamic motherland past the difficulties and challenges created by foreign hostility and some domestic mismanagement […].” 

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(Don’t make too much of the post below; I’m not saying something is happening at Ruhani’s HQS  - I’m just experimenting with embedding …)

View Larger Map

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1530 Mehr: According to the Interior Ministry:

23,014,873 total votes counted

22,247,364 valid votes counted

• 1. Ruhani: 11,754,013 (51.07%)
• 2. Qalibaf: 3,494,938
• 3. Rezaei: 2,723,202
• 4. Saeed Jalili: 2,593,169
• 5. Ali Akbar Velayati: 1,405,543
• 6. Seyyed Mohammad Gharazi: 276,499

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14:31 – Tehran: Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Rafsanjani thanked at the start of today’s council meeting Iranian’s inside and outside the country for not having “succumbed to domestic and foreign publicity” against the election and for having created “the political epic called for by the Leader.” He said he hoped that any candidate who ultimately won would “put all of his efforts into keeping the promises made and resolving the people’s problems […]” and that “he can solve domestic and foreign policy problems, based on the country’s interests and the demands of the absolute majority of the people.”  He also said, "If the Islamic Republic’s enemies have the slightest fairness, they must accept that Iran has held the most democratic election in the world and that no doubt can be placed over it.“

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1528 ISNA: Governor Mashhad (Township) Governor Hassan Movahedian announced that the turnout in Mashhad (the second most populated city in Iran) was 62%.  Rowhani had the most votes, with 498,002, then Qalibaf with 442,071 votes, then Jalili with 222,971, Velayati with 74,781, Rezaei with 53,915, and lastly Gharazi with 16,193.

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10:53 Mehr:  Tehran representative Ahmad Tavakoli says as the Supreme Leader has predicted, another political epic has been created, stunning domestic and foreign observers.  He said he is confident that with this election is a start for a new period for reversing the damage of the last eight years (note: the conservative Tavakoli has been a consistent Ahmadinejad opponent).

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15:30 ISNA:  

16, 716,937 votes counted

16,166,293 valid votes counted

• 1. Ruhani: 8,439,530 (50.48%)
• 2. Qalibaf: 2,560,383
• 3. Rezaei: 2,101,330
• 4. Saeed Jalili: 1,890,462
• 5. Ali Akbar Velayati: 977,765
• 6. Seyyed Mohammad Gharazi: 196,922

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14:31 – Tehran : Mohammad Gharazi conceded in a statement in which he congratulated “the people and the Leader for creating an epic,” adding, “I congratulate the elected president and ask almighty God for his success in realizing the Iranian nation’s demands, meaning an economic, social, and political climate necessary for expanding the Iranian nation’s republican and Islamic natures.”

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1503 – Fars:  Head of Tehran Municipality Election Headquarters Saeed Ahmadi Shahraki said there were approximately 5,500,000 eligible voters in Tehran Province, of which about 2.5 million, more than half [sic], voted in the election.

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1430 Fars: Interior Minister Najjar says  election results will be announced no later than the end of today.

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note:Inauguration o/a August 3rd.

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13:45 – Ghom Province:

Rohani managed to take first place even in Ghom province, considered a bastion of conservative support for Jalili. With all votes counted, the province’s results are:

544,092 votes cast (77% turnout)

• - Rohani: 201,677 (37%)
• - Jalili: 121,237 (22%)
• - Ghalibaf: 89,987
• - Velayati: 68,356
• - Rezaei: 30,540
• - Gharazi: 9,364

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Vote Counting in Yazd…

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The Minister of Interior released the tenth tranche of results at 1415 Tehran time (16,716,937 total votes/16,166,392 valid votes/no data on polling stations):

 Rohani                  8,439,530 (50.5% of votes cast)

• Qalibaf                  2,560,383 (15.3%)
• Rezaei                   2,101330
• Jalili                        1,890462
• Velayati                977,765
• Gharrazi               196,922

 An MOI official stated that the winner in the election will be determined based on the total number of votes cast, not the number of valid votes.

Statements

 Ali-Akbar Velayati released a concession statement saying he had entered the presidential race to propose his solutions for “the existing problems in the domestic and international spheres,” adding that now “the weight of this heavy responsibility has been lifted from my shoulders, but I am content to have placed my capital before the nation, and thus to have carried out my duty.” He wished continued success for the remaining candidates, whom he referred to as “rivals and friends, who are all figures at the service of the regime.” He extolled the Iranian for having “responded to the wise Leader’s call” to create a political epic. 

 Economy

 The Iranian currency has strengthened 3.4% since yesterday and appears to be continuing to gain value.  Whereas the open-market rate was 3,625 tomans per dollar prior to Friday’s election, the Iranian currency is now selling for 3,500 tomans per dollar. Source: Mehr News.

 Regional reporting:

 Turnout was 75% in Khorasan Razavi province. 

Turnout was 72% in Fars province, where between 25-30% of the votes have been counted. 

Turnout was 75% in Esfahan province.

Turnout was 78% in Qom province.

Turnout was 70% in Kermanshah province.

Turnout was 84% in Alborz province.

Turnout was 66% in East Azerbaijan province.

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Kayhan headline: The Strength of this Political Epic has Stunned the World Again

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12:38 – Tehran

Ali-Akbar Velayati released a statement saying he had entered the presidential race to propose his solutions for “the existing problems in the domestic and international spheres,” adding that now “the weight of this heavy responsibility has been lifted from my shoulders, but I am content to have placed my capital before the nation, and thus to have carried out my duty.” He wished continued success for the remaining candidates, whom he referred to as “rivals and friends, who are all figures at the service of the regime.” He extolled the Iranian for having “responded to the wise Leader’s call” to create a political epic. 

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همكاران من در حالى انتخابات ايران را به اين شكل عالى گزارش ميكنند كه خانواده هاى بسيارى از آنان در روزهاى اخير تحت فشار اطلاعاتيها بوده اند

 BBC Persian head Sadeq Saba: My colleagues are doing a great job covering Iran elections even though many of their families (in Iran) have been put under pressure by intelligence services recently

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1306 Fars: Interior Ministry Election Office General Director Hossein Ali Nuri says total votes cast are what is used to determine the victor (i.e. the winner has to get over 50% of all votes cast, not over 50% of all valid votes cast). Another Fars article, citing the Constitution’s Article 117, also says this.

Article 117
The President is elected by an absolute majority of votes polled by the voters. But if none of the candidates is able to win such a majority In the first round, voting will take place a second time on Friday of the following week. In the second round only the two candidates who received greatest number of votes in the first round will participate. If, however, some of the candidates securing greatest votes in the first round withdraw from the elections, the final choice will be between the two candidates who won greater number of votes than all the remaining candidates. 

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Tweet from Fars News Director

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from IPOS - 

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9:36 – Tehran: Omidnameh news site, close to Mohammad-Reza Aref, reported Aref had called Rohani on Saturday morning to congratulate him on his strong showing, referring to it as a “victory for Reformism-moderation.” He reportedly told Rohani, “Now that the election has ended, God willing, we will succeed with the continuation of our divine blessings and the solidarity of all political currents in attaining the people’s rightful demands and acting on the promises given in a moderate Reformist manner.”

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The CEEB/MOI released the ninth tranche of results (12,091,699 total votes/11,686,139 valid votes/21376 polling stations): 

• Rohani                  6,049,655 (51.7% of valid votes)
• Qalibaf                  1,844,463 (15.8%)
• Rezaei                   1,518,964
• Jalili                        1,400,712
• Velayati                729,044
• Gharrazi               143,301

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(shorted dollars, long on tomans...)

US Dollar, open market: 3,479 tomans, down 4% from 3,625 on Thursday (according to domestic and international news reports and sources.)

Bahareh Azadi gold coin, open market: 1,245,000 tomans, down 4.6% from 1,306,000 on Thursday

Tehran Stock Exchange index: (historic record) 46,623 points, up 951.1 points (2.04%) from 45,671

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1156 –Fars :  Majlis Deputy Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar says the high turnout shows the nation’s confidence in the system/regime, saying “yesterday the depth of the people’s confidence in the Revolution’s Leader and his greater confidence in this nation was formed.”  He said the latest indications were that turnout was higher than even 2009, and that as such all we can do is bow our heads in the face of the great and discerning Iranian nation – there is nothing else to say.”

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The CEEB/MOI released the eighth tranche of results (no information on total votes/polling stations given): 

• Rohani                  5,003,633
• Qalibaf                  1,582,724
• Rezaei                   1,298,597
• Jalili                        1,229,151
• Velayati                620,908
• Gharrazi               124,129

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11:10 – Tehran : Khamenei’s Deputy IRGC Representative Hojjatoleslam Abdollah Haji-Sadeghi said, “The most important feature of the presidential election is that the  Leader’s order was followed, and that it was a stiff blow and determined response to the enemy. […] The enemy was trying to break or weaken the link between the Ummat (Muslim nation) and the Leader. […] The great and worthy Iranian people showed in the election that they are committed to the Imam’s (Khomeini) and Leader’s ideals.”

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List of Rohani’s YouTubes for his TV appearances from May 25 to June 12, 2013.

In car chatting after debate

• June 12, Pasokh be javanan
• June 10, Mostanad dovom
•  
• June 6, Pasokh be karshenasan,
•  
• June 4, Mostanad Aval
•  
• June3, Goftegoye zabt shodeh
•  
• May 28, Pasokh be Iranian e Khareje keshvar
•  
• May 28, Barnameh ba dorbin
•  
• May 27, Goftegoye Vijehe Khabari,

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Fars cartoon…

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1150: The Supreme Leader’s personal website (Khamenei.ir) has been tweeting in the last hour, expressing satisfaction with yesterday’s election day process and stressing the mutual confidence between the people and the regime:

 - the 2009 unrests were all about hurting the Revolution’s popular base while West propagandized ‘people lost confidence,’ but people and system have mutual confidence.’

 - Islamic Republic doesn’t betray people’s votes; legal mechanisms don’t allow fraud

 - A vote for any of these candidates is a vote for the Islamic Republic, a vote of confidence in the system & election mechanism

 - The people have confidence in the system and the system has confidence in the people.

 - Today (Saturday) must be day for kindness – true both for President-elect fans & others who must avoid any suspicious speech.

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Tehran Stock Exchange index:(historic record reached with one hour of trading remaining…) 46,572 points, up 900.8 points (1.93%) from 45,671

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1106 – Fars:  head of the Basij General Mohammad Reza Naqdi says “The great tsunami of the Iranian nation has crushed the White House and shown….for the 32^nd time that which the Islamic Republic has predicted has come to pass, and that which our enemies have predicted and wished for has turned out to be futile.”

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Ruhani and his ’key of strategy’ (کلید تدبیر)

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1052 - The Interior Ministry/Central Election Executive Board released the seventh tranche of results (14,603 of 58,764 polling stations reporting, 8.3 million votes total/8.0 million valid): 

• Rohani                  4,125,032 (51.6%)
• Qalibaf                  1,341,947 (16.8%)
• Jalili                        1,056,327
• Rezaei                   902,121
• Velayati                521,097
• Gharrazi               104,214

 The percentage (and location) of the vote this represents is not released with the vote count, but this is 25% of the polling stations cited.  Percentages listed above are calculated by us based on the percentage of valid votes; they are not provided by the CEEB.

 Some additional regional reporting:

 62% turnout in Mashhad city.

87% turnout in Boroujen county, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.

95.6% turnout in Tarem county, Zanjan province.

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Tehran Stock Exchange ( TSE) surging… (with two hours of trading remaining…) 46,478 points, up 806.1 points (1.73%) from 45,671

 US Dollar, open market: 3,600 tomans, down from 3,625 (according to domestic and international news reports and sources.)

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Trita Parsi yesterday on the implications of a Rouhani victory:

….There are three factors that may create opportunities for resolving tensions with Iran if Mr. Rouhani wins the elections – and the regime is forced to respect that result.

 First, it’s not just about Rouhani; it’s about the personnel that would follow him into government and populate key ministries and institutions and reconfigure the political makeup of the regime’s decision-making table. When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to power, within months he fired 80 of Iran’s most experienced ambassadors and foreign policy profiles. Many of these were Iran’s most pragmatic and competent foreign policy hands, often key players in Iran’s more conciliatory decisions, such as the collaboration with the United States in Afghanistan and the suspension of enrichment in 2004. They were replaced by inexperienced ideologues hired not for their capabilities but their loyalty to Mr. Ahmadinejad. A reversal of this trend can prove quite valuable.

 Second, Mr. Rouhani and his entourage hold a different world view than those close to Mr. Ahmadinejad and the supreme leader. While still suspicious and distrustful of the West, and while still committed to Iran’s bottom line on the nuclear issue, the elite that associates with Mr. Rouhani does not see the world in Manichean black and white. The outside world may be seen as hostile, but common interests can still be found. Collaboration is still possible. Rather than emphasizing ideology and resistance, they pride themselves on being pragmatic and results-oriented (of course, within the context of the political spectrum of the Islamic republic). It is not a surprise that most of the sensitive arrangements Iran have entered into came about during periods that this current dominated Iran’s decision making.

 Third is the difference in assessing the risks of peacemaking versus confrontation. The hardliners’ insistence on resistance at any cost combined with their hesitance about compromise, indicates far greater willingness to accept risks for escalation and confrontation than for compromise. A similar problem exists on the American side, where risks for confrontation are easier accepted and assessed to be smaller than the risks one inevitably has to take to strike a deal. This psychological dimension of Tehran’s cost-benefit analysis should not be discounted.

The West cannot impact the elections. But if Mr. Rouhani wins and choses to pursue a more conciliatory foreign policy, the response of the West can determine his success and whether more moderate elements can push the radicals to the margins.

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0974 (Fars) - The Central Election Executive Board/Interior Ministry released the sixth tranche of results (6,598,300 votes total/6.4 million valid): 

• Rohani                  3,219,332 (50.4%)
• Qalibaf                  1,095,671  
• Jalili                        868,301 
• Rezaei                   708,941 
• Velayati                412,941 
• Gharrazi               82,141  

 The percentage of the vote this represents is not released with the vote count.  If turnout was 70% of the official number of eligible voters, this represents around 19% of the vote count.  Percentages listed above are calculated by us based on the percentage of valid votes; they are not provided by the CEEB.

 Some additional regional reporting:

 Results from some local council elections are being announced locality by locality.  No major cities have been announced yet.

 In Ferdows (South Khorasan), 26,998 votes (of which 26,502 were valid) were counted in the presidential election.

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0912 –FARS:  Head of the Majlis National Security Commission Alaaddin Borujerdi says the desired ‘political epic’ has been achieved via the enthusiastic presence of the Iranian people at the polls.  

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Press TV saying turnout around 80%

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0915: the Interior Ministry released the fifth tranche of results (10,718 polling stations, 5,378,714 million votes total/5.2 million valid):

•  Rohani                  2,720,144 (50.57%)
• Qalibaf                  903,389 (15.7%)
• Jalili                        679,524
• Rezaei                   536,725
• Velayati                305,529
• Gharrazi               65,934

The full results do not describe which locations the tallies have been received from, but separate reports provide some sense:

 The head of the election board for North Khorasan province said 455,000 people had voted in his province (a turnout of 75%).

The head of the election board for Ardebil province said turnout was 70%, while the board in W. Azerbaijan province said the count was still going on.

Results for five districts in Babol, Mazandaran province were released:

•  Rohani:                 135,167
• Qalibaf:                34,754
• Jalili:                       29,119
• Velayati:              28,901
• Rezaei:                 13,039
• Gharrazi:              2,816

The election board head for Kashan county, Esfahan province said 153,580 votes were counted, with a turnout of 82%:

•  Rohani                  57,853
• Qalibaf                  30,207
• Jalili                        29,720
• Velayati                24,128
• Rezaei                   8,745
• Gharrazi               2,927

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0907: BBC crawl has Ruhani at 49.9, Qalibaf at 16.6…

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The Interior Ministry released the fourth tranche of results (5876 polling stations, 3.02 million votes total/2.9 million valid):

 Rohani                  1,459,998

Qalibaf                  487,549

Jalili                        383,820

Rezaei                   383,489

Velayati                174,494

Gharrazi               38,197

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The MOI released the third tranche of results (from 4148 polling stations, 2.1 million votes total):

 Rohani                  1,035,805

Qalibaf                  377,733

Jalili                        302,748

Rezaei                   240,280

Velayati                128,049

Gharrazi               29,448

 FYI, Fars News has a nice banner at the top of its main page (http://www.farsnews.com/) that has the running total of the vote count done up in neat graphics (sort of in English – yellow = reformist, green = independent, red = principlist).

 Other news: 

 Head of the central election board Solat Mortzavi said that accuracy would take priority over speed in the vote count in a 0700 press conference. 

 Several candidates issued statements at the end of voting, thanking people for turning out:

 Rohani:  His campaign office issued a statement at 0500 local saying, “once again the great Iranian nation sent with its wide presence in the elections, created a fantastic epic…”

Qalibaf:  Sent a text message thanking people for voting

Rezaei:  Published a statement around 0300 local thanking the people for the high turnout and saying that it will strengthen Iran’s standing on the international scene.

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0700:  the Interior Ministry of Interior announced a second round of initial results:

Rohani                 834,859
Qalibaf                 320,562
Jalili                        257,822
Rezaei                   214,368
Velayati                106,144
Gharrazi               25,324

 No information was given on the number of polling stations this was from, but it totals around 1.76 million votes.  Note that this only represents approximately 5% of the total number of anticipated votes in the country (assuming around a 70% turnout).

 ncing the first round of initial results at 0600, the Interior Minister said he hopes final results will be announced today.

Voting is Over, this site will resume tomorrow morning Tehran time to cover the vote count.

General Impressions of voting day:  All indications are the regime is pleased with how the day went.  There were no security incidents, and even though there have been conflicting anecdotal reports about turnout, it can certainly claim ‘epic’ participation.  There does seem to be some evidence that that many ‘marginal’ urban voters decided to vote, presumably for Ruhani, and indications are that the Ruhani campaign was overall pleased with how the day went.The announcement of results tomorrow, and popular reaction, will of course be quite revealing.

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Vote Counting Has Started…

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22:19 – Tehran: Interior Ministry’s Electoral Staff Organization statement #28: Voting has ended in all provinces, except for Tehran Province where votes can be cast until 11 PM.

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22:19 – ISNA –- Fars Governor Hossein Sadeq Abedin says intelligence/security services are investigating the Fasa incident (where a Ruhani official had acid splashed on his face), and that the victim, who had been taken to a hospital, has been released from the hospital.

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Tehran Province Election Hqs Statement #9: We’re not staying open past 11 PM

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20:06 – Tehran: Deputy Interior Minister and Electoral Staff Organization Head Solat Mortazavi said candidates’ representatives were not only authorized to be present in any polling station but that “in addition, they can be present in all centers where ballots will be collected, from the Electoral Staff Organization, to district and county governorates.”

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21:53 ISNA – According to Tehran Province Election Hqs #8, due to high turnout Tehran province voting has been extended until 11 PM.  There is conflicting reports though about the rest of the country.

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2138 ISNA – Voting hours have been extended in Tehran Province until 11 PM...

…Ditto for the rest of the country.

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pretty funny…(the key is a reference to Ruhani, the pliers to Qalibaf, and the question in Persian is “Which one would you pick?”)

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20:42 – Tehran : The six candidates’ representatives at the Central Executive Electoral Board issued a joint statement expressing their satisfaction with the electoral process today and calling on their supporters to not engage in any premature celebrations. They wrote, “Individuals falsely linked to the campaign staff’s of the 11^th presidential election have spread rumors about calls to hold celebrations, or proposals to employ unusual methods referred to as ‘protecting votes’ (sianat az ara, term much used in 2009). […] We ask the Iranian nation to not pay any attention to these rumors and to not congregate in any way other than to vote before the relevant the authorities announce the official results […].” 

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2100 – Due to the ‘presence of the people,’ The Interior Ministry has extended voting until 10 PM

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20:11 – Tehran: Khamenei Office Chief of Staff Hojjatoleslam Mohammadi Golpayegani said during a visit to the Interior Ministry’s Electoral Staff Organization, “There is more of a rush at polling stations now than in the morning,” adding, “I believe that officials will be forced to extend the voting time again.” Asked whether a “political epic” had been achieved, he said however, “It is too soon to tell. Allow the elections to go ahead until closing time.”  

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2020 ISNA – Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei voted at 2 PM  at Imam Sadeq Mosque in the Rostamabad area of Tehran

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2021 Mehr: Interior Ministry Announcement #25 tells officials involved in today’s voting to continue work until the Interior Ministry announcement announcing the closing of voting stations.

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19:00 – Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Corporation (IRIB) Deputy Head Mahmoud Ashtari said state radio-television had made preparations for second-round  televised debates. 

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1954 – ISNA: The Interior Minister Mohammad Mostafa Najjar tells press there is a possibility voting hours will be extended past 9 PM

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16:02 – Tehran: Mohammad-Reza Sadegh, Rohani’s representative dispatched for the day to the Guardian Council, said his candidate’s campaign had encountered a number of problems – Hassan Rohani’s name in some polling station’s ballots was written down as Hassan Fereydoun (his real name) or Hassan Fereydoun Rohani; an insufficient number candidate representatives; and delays in obtaining licenses for candidate representatives. He said however that this was normal and no deliberate efforts had been made to create these problems, adding, “I express my satisfaction with the Guardian Council and the Central Executive Electoral Board.” 

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video of Ahmadinejad voting…

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tweet from a Fars News Director…

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couple gets married, goes straight to vote…

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Press TV quotes Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini saying over 450 foreign reporters are covering Iran’s 11th presidential election. Hosseini said 250 reporters are residents of the Islamic Republic, while 205 foreign reporters have traveled to Iran to cover the Friday election. 

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1952 ISNA: 1952 ISNA: Citing the enthusiastic participation of voters,  the Interior Ministry has announced voting is extended until 2100 hours.

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19:13 – Tehran: Rohani Campaign Manager Mohammad-Reza Nematzadeh said, “From what we are hearing, by God’s grace and with the people’s support, he (Rohani) is leading in all the country, down to the level of villages.” He said however, “We must all wait for the Guardian Council to announce the final results. We will accept and submit to whatever they announce.” He said turnout had been “good” and he hoped the extended voting period would allow everyone to cast a ballot.

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Nameh news: Ahmadinejad normally a morning voter, until this time (in Persian)

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16:10 – Fasa, Fars Province:  The Iranian Labor News Agency reports that Rohani’s local campaign manager in Fasa (near Shiraz), Fars Province, Youness Mehdipour, was attacked by a “number of unknown assailants,” who threw acid on his face after having assaulted him in the street. He has been transferred to the town’s hospital with serious injuries. 

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1909 Fars: Interior Statement #23: Put your vote in the right box! (note: in some locations there are separate ballot boxes for President, Council, Majlis and/or Experts Assembly - these last two would be special elections )

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1952 ISNA: Tehran Township Election Head Ahmadi Shahraki says additional ballots are being distributed, with more than 40,000 ballots for each of Tehran’s 22 districts.

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18:39 – Zanjan Province: Zanjan Province Electoral Board Deputy Head Ali Kazemi said, “According to reports, there has been a shortage of ballots in many polling stations in Zanjan,” adding that efforts were being made to remedy the problem. He said, “The slogan of a ‘political epic’ has been realized in Zanjan Province.”

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When it comes to covering events in Iran, nothing beats a BBC Persian live blog (in Persian)

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1815 Fars – Fars Province Governor Hossein Sadeq Abedin said “the reports I’ve been getting up to the present are that the people with their remarkable presence at the voting stations are acheiving a political epic in Fars.  He said turnout was ‘definitely not’ lower than in 2009, and that as usual the more the enemies talk badly the higher the Iranian people turn out.

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18:09 – Alborz Province: Alborz Province Governor Asghar Arabian said he had witnessed a “political epic” unfolding before his eyes since polling stations opened in his province in the morning, and that “over 20,000” first-time voters had participated in today’s election. 

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17:47 – Tehran: The Electoral Staff Organization released a statement extending voting for two hours until 8 PM in all polling stations. The statement said that the extension had been requested throughout the country because of the “enthusiastic participation” of voters and after the Interior Minister’s approval. The two-hour extension will also be applied to voting stations outside the country. 

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17:48 – Tehran: President Ahmadinejad did not comment on the elections after having cast his vote (see below). He reportedly told reporters, “I ask God to bestow all his mercy and grace to Iran and all of humanity. May the best fate befall everyone.” He left the mosque’s polling station without responding to questions. No reports yet of his senior aide and disqualified candidate Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei. 

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17:44 Mehr:  The Tehran Province Election Staff head says up to now the turnout is better than in 2009, and if it continues thusly Tehran province turnout will be 70 percent.

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 16:16 – Tehran: Tehran County Governor Issa Farhadi said the turnout today was higher than at the similar hour in the 2012 legislative elections (turnout for those elections was declared to be over 64%). He said that Tehran County had 3,400 polling stations, 400 more than in the last presidential race.

16:07 – Mazandaran Province: The conservative semi-official Mehr news agency reported that according to “informed sources” the turnout in this northern province was about 50% with two hours of voting left, adding that of 2,068,000 eligible voters, “over 900,000” had already cast votes. 

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17:22 – Tehran: President Ahmadinejad finally cast his vote at Saheb ol-Zaman Mosque in Tehran’s southwestern district of Yaftabad. He was accompanied by First VP Mohammad-Reza Rahimi and government spokesman Elham.

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16:18 – Hamedan Province: Hamedan Province Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) Chief Mehdi Massoumbeigi said 10,000 LEF forces guaranteed the security of elections in his province.

 16:02 – Ghazvin Province: Ghazvin Province Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) Chief General Jafari said 8,000 LEF forces were deployed in his province to maintain security during elections.

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16:40 – Tehran: Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) Deputy Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said this election has been the most secure and calm election in Iran, adding that no incidents had been reported so far. 

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To those just waking up in the US, a good run-down of election day mechanics today by Iran elections expert Yasmin Alem.

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14:55 – ISNA: At Friday Prayers today, Tehran Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Imami Kashani said "elections in Iran isn’t a football (soccer) game with a winner and loser – with elections everyone is a winner.”  He said the main purpose of the elections relates to Islam, which makes it different than other elections in the world.   

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…still no clear picture emerging yet re turnout…

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14:43 – Tehran: Rezaei Campaign Deputy Manager Shahram Gilabadi said, “My belief is that because of the large number of candidates and sensibilities, the elections will go to a second round.” He said that according to information the campaign had received, the “people’s presence has been noteworthy, and the elections are taking place properly.”  

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Youtube video showing low turnout in Shiraz (note: usual caveats about videos posted online..)

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12:57 – Tehran: The opposition  expat-based Jaras news site reported the Tehran County Governorate had issued by 1 PM on June 13 all Jalili campaign representatives’ ID cards, allowing them to be present at polling stations, but that by late yesterday evening the Rohani campaign had only received 15 cards out of 400 requested in Tehran county.  

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People Having Voted, Shahr-e Rey, Tehran Province

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People voting in Shahr-e Rey, Tehran Province

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1420 – Mehr:  Election Hqs Bulletin #14: illiterate Iranians or those who for physical reasons can’t write their vote can have a literate person (either a family member or someone trusted) accompany them for help at the voting station.

-

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14:30 – Tehran: Rafsanjani daughter Fatemeh Hashemi voted at Jamaran Prayer Hall, northern Tehran, and asked by reporters who would win, she said, “Whoever we vote for.” She said she had voted for Rohani. Asked how candidates should react to election results, she said, “The candidates must have a rational reaction to election result announcements.” Her brother Mehdi Hashemi, who has been accused of collusion with the Green movement and financial corruption, told reporters candidates must submit to the law when the results are announced. Asked if Rohani is a Reformist, he said, “It is forbidden to campaign,” referring to the legal deadline of 8 AM June 13.

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1415 Fars: (The IRGC-affiliated) Fars news is reporting high turnout in Mashhad, with an election official saying all polling stations in Mashhad are active, and what is noticeable is large crowds since opening hours (note: Fars is perhaps not the most reliable Iranian press news service…)

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14:16 – Tehran: Velayati’s representative Hossein Mir-Mohammad Sadeghi, who has been present at the Guardian Council since 7 AM, said, “No particular problem has been reported so far, except that rumors [about the withdrawal of candidates] that have circulated in the past day or two, particularly after the end of official campaigning (8 AM, June 13), have created some confusion for people about who is running […]. We asked the Interior Minister and [Guardian Council Spokesman] Dr. Kadkhodai to announce the six candidates’ names in the interviews they have throughout the day so people are not confused.” 

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1420 Fars:  Law Enforcement Commander General Esma’eil Ahmadi Moghaddam told press that all news received so far indicates the enthusiastic but orderly participation of the people since opening hours for the polls, with no worrisome instances reported thus far.

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Ruhani Voting

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Hassan Khomeini Voting

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Rafsanjani voting 

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13:42 – Tehran: ELECTION HEAD STATEMENT: Asked by journalists about reports that candidates’ representatives had been refused entry into some polling stations (the Electoral Law allows candidates to have representatives in all voting stations), Deputy Interior Minister and Electoral Staff Organization Head Solat Mortazavi said, “That is impossible. This is an utter lie.” Reporters said they had heard some candidates’ representatives had not received the requisite identification card from the Interior Ministry. Mortazavi responded, “Cards have been issued for all candidate representatives and observers who were presented to us in time.” Asked about Aref’s and Haddad-Adel’s names still posted in some polling stations although they had withdrawn from the race, he said, “We have announced through media outlets and radio-television that Messrs. Aref’s and Haddad-Adel’s names must be eliminated, and this has taken place.” Asked if some polling stations had asked for more ballots, he said, “The necessary number of ballots have been printed and we will have no shortage.” He said that depending turnout, voting stations could ask for an extension of their closing hours.

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Jalili Praying Before Voting

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1337 ISNA:  Interior Minister Najjar has told press that counting the votes for the local and urban councils will start after vote-counting for the Presidential race is completed. He said there were 50 million, 470 thousand eligible voters, with voting occurring at 60,000 voting stations with 130,000 ballot boxes, adding that “today we will witness a political epic.”  He said voting was a right that Iranians must use and a religious duty.  He said voting hours would definitely be extended, and that in vote counting accuracy wouldn’t be sacrificed for speed.

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12:00 – Tehran: Khomeini grandson and family patriarch Hojjatoleslam Hassan Khomeini voted at the Jamaran Prayer Hall, northern Tehran. Asked for comments on “protecting the people’s vote,” he referred to Khamenei’s statement this morning when he voted (see below): “This morning the Leader made recommendations. Everyone should act according to those recommendations.”

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11:40 – Tehran: Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar told the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network, “Based on past experiences, efforts have been made this year to announce results better than in previous years. Once the vote count begins, we will gradually inform the people through radio-television as results come in from the counties to the [Interior Ministry’s] Electoral Staff Organization. […] of course, we ask media outlets and candidates’ representatives not to speculate before results are announced, because this could perturb the public.”

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11:55 – Ghom : Hardline cleric Ayatollah Mohammad-Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi, ‘Paydari’s’ spiritual mentor and Jalili supporter, told reporters after voting in Ghom, “This election is another victory for the Iranian nation against world arrogance. […] I hope that the people who will begin working will bring contentment to the hearts of the Lord of the Ages (Imam Zaman) and his rightful surrogate (Khamenei).” 

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1256 (Fars)  - Hamadan Province IRGC Commander General Gholam Ali Abu Hamzeh says the Law Enforcement Forces are responsible for security in Hamadan, aided by Hamadan province Basij.  1500 Basij are at 500 voting stations in Hamadan Province

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1110 ISNA:  Good compendium of what all the candidates said after voting (in Persian)

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12:02 – Robat Karim County, Tehran Province: Mohsen Rezaei said he had cast his vote in a village in Robat Karim county “because I wanted to say our main concern is the people and their livelihoods,” adding that his priority would be inflation and high prices if he were elected. He said, “I thank the Iranian nation for whatever decision they make and I’m sure they will create an amazing event today.”

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WHERE IS AHMADINEJAD?: Blogosphere starting to talk about the fact there are no reports yet of Ahmadinejad voting.

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1230:  Both Haddad-Adel and Guardian Council Spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei  say elections are going well so far.

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11:24 – Mehr News reported that Farda News website (considered close to Ghalibaf) had been filtered since 2 AM and that one of the website’s staff had said no reason had been given by authorities for this measure.

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1200 Fars: Saeed Jalili, accompanied by hardline cleric Hojjatoleslam Ali Reza Panahian and his campaign manager Ali Bagheri, went to the Abdol Rey township in southern Tehran to vote, telling reporters “I approve of the people’s vote and respect it. So far thanks to the Lord the election seems to be going well. He told reporters after voting that “Whatever the people decide and emerges from the voting stations must be respected by all.  All must help so that the person selected by the people can God willing serve the people.”

Jalili Campaign Manager Ali Bagheri told press,  “The general public’s turnout has been good. […] If Mr. Jalili makes it into the second round, we have made the necessary preparations.” He said Jalili does not have a main rival. He added, “The more glorious the people’s participation in the elections, the more our enemies will despair.” 

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11:15 – Tehran : The Interior Ministry’s Electoral Staff Organization issued a statement  (#7), telling election officials to remove the name of the two withdrawn candidates (Aref and Haddad Adel) from the lists of candidates posted at polling stations:

Members of polling stations please be informed in that on in the list of candidate names at polling stations the names of the two candidates who have withdrawn from the race, Gholam Ali Haddad Adel and Mohammad Reza Aref, have been printed, please act quickly to remove their names from the lists inside the polling stations.

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graphic on latest IPOS poll: 

http://www.ipos.me/en/

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11:27 – Tehran: Former President Mohammad Khatami voted at the Jamaran Prayer Hall, northern Tehran, saying, “God willing, all the candidates, whether they are defeated or win, will be at the service of Islam and the country’s progress.

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1135: Saeed Jalili voted in the Shah-Abdol-Azim Shrine, Shahr-eRey county, south of Tehran, minutes ago. He was accompanied by his campaign manager (and deputy in the Supreme National Security Council) Ali Bagheri.

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http://ipos.me/en/post/36

Last IPOS polling on candidates - 

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(1105 Mehr) In response to a reporter’s question about his claiming victory, Hojjatoleslam Hassan Ruhani said “I didn’t say was an election winner, and no one can claim this.  I am satisfied with the election process.”

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10:21 – Ghom: Speaker Ali Larijani voted at Imam Hassan Asgari Mosque, saying, “Today, the foreign countries’ attention is riveted to the people’s participation in the elections. The world is observing the people’s support for the regime.” He added, “The country’s situation dictates that the election be held attentively and a person is elected who can solve problems in these new conditions and can have a positive effect on international issues.” He said that Iran is under international pressure, adding, “The strength of the people’s presence will give added energy to the regime so officials can make greater efforts and take actions so we can attain a suitable situation on the international front.” 

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1050 (ISNA): Guardian Council Head Ayatollah Jannati told press that announcing victory before results are announced is treason to the people. He said in some previous elections candidates had declared themselves victors, causing a sedition (note: reference to Mousavi in 2009), which both hurt themselves and the people, and that “people who declare themselves winners in the election should learn a lesson from 2009.”

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10:50 – Tehran: Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar told reporters at his ministry’s Electoral Staff Organization that voters had lined up at polling stations before the 8 AM opening hour and “all indications are that our people will once again create a glorious political epic,” adding, “We will never sacrifice attention and transparency in the vote count to speed.” He was accompanied by members of the Central Executive Electoral Board, including Intelligence Minister Moslehi and Prosecutor General Mohseni Ejei.

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10:54 – Menjil Abad village, Tehran suburbs: Mohsen Rezaei cast his vote in the village of Menjil Abad, in Robat Karim county outside Tehran. 

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10:17 – Tehran

Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi told IRGC-linked Fars News no security problems had been reported so far, adding, “The enemy’s plot to reduce voter participation has failed. The turnout will be glorious.”

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10:14 – Tehran

Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Mahmoud Abdollahi said, “From this morning until now, there have been no counter-security incidents reported. […] We have good intelligence and, by the grace of God, we will not allow ill-wishers to disrupt the political epic.” 

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1015:  Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, accompanied by staff and family, voted at 10:15 in Shahr-e Rey, Tehran at the Abdolazim Shrine, saying, “what God wants happens, I will respect the people’s choice. Doubtless the people’s choice is the best choice, and the people’s choice must be respected. We are seeking fundamental changes in the areas of progress and justice.”

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Hassan Rohani voted minutes ago in Tehran’s Imam Reza Mosque in Tehran’s Shahid Rajai Street in Shahr-e Rey and said, “if the people create an epic on June 14^th, June 15^th will be a day of victory for the Iranian people, not a particular candidate.”

 Ali-Akbar Velayati voted in Giahi Mosque, Shemiranat, northern Tehran, casting votes for the presidential and Tehran City Council election in the first hour after polling stations opened. He said, “The most important point is for the most number of people to be present at ballot boxes. The ultimate winner is the Iranian nation.”

 Mohammad-Reza Aref told reporters after voting at Ershad Prayer Hall that he had stepped aside in Rohani’s favor “so people could decide more easily” and that he had cast a vote “for the Islamic Republic.”

 Mohammad Gharazi voted in Lorizadeh Mosque in Tehran, saying, “The people are the winners of the election.” 

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1012 Mehr: While voting at the Ershad Hosseinieh in Islamabad Tehran, prominent conservative cleric (and former Presidential candidate) Hojjatoleslam Nateq Nuri said the early high turnout bodes well, and that he hoped the election wouldn’t go a second round.

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0930 (Mehr) Tehran municipality’s Election Headquarters Ahmad Shahraki says 12,500 cards have been issued to candidates’ representatives for today’s election, with Ruhani getting (only) 400 because his campaign headquarters didn’t send the right paperwork.  He said all the candidates except for Gharazi will have representatives will have representatives at the voting stations

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ISNA – 10 AM: Gharazi Votes, says “today is a massive Revolution- and election-fest!“.  Rouhani votes, so does Qalibaf

8:58 – Tehran

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Corporation (IRIB) reported Expediency Council Chairman Hashemi Rafsanjani, accompanied by his wife Effat and daughter Fatemeh, cast his vote in a mobile ballot box in Jamaran Prayer Hall, saying, “I hope the result of this election will be national consensus.”

 Assembly of Experts Chairman Ayatollah Mahdavi Kani voted at Imam Sadegh University, which he heads.

 Guardian Council Head Ayatollah Jannati voted at a mobile ballot box at the Guardian Council.

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IPOS’s daily tracking poll of Iran’s presidential election conducted on June 12-13 showed support for Ruhani reached 38%, compared to 24.6% support for his closest competitor Qalibaf. IPOS predicts two possible scenarios:  Ruhuani wins today’s election with a majority of the votes or Ruhani and Qalibaf proceed to the second round.  IPOS polling data showed 39% of likely voters are still ‘undecided.’

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I am at a polling station in Tehran’s Geysha neighborhood. Surprised to see lines of people waiting.

— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink)

June 14, 2013

0830: 

0800 (Tehran Time): Supreme Leader Votes: In his comments after voting, Supreme Leader Khamenei said, “I thank God that he has given me and the people of Iran another opportunity to participate in creative an effective future for our country.”  He added, this truly is an epic and God willing today the Iranian nation will bring the truth of the word epic to life and expressed hope that most Iranians would vote early.  He said he voted for the 31 members of the Tehran city council and one presidential candidate, adding that since he was not familiar with all the council candidates, he looked at the coalition lists when deciding.  On the presidential vote, he said one person came to mind and he chose him and up until now, he has not told anyone – even his family – for whom he voted.  He reiterated his hope that all Iranians would vote, saying that enemies try to make the people hopeless and not vote (specifically, that “the US NSC announced that they would not accept this election in Iran.”).

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Run-down of the election-day mechanics, by Yasmin Alem:

66,000 polling stations will open at 8 a.m. Nearly 1 million election officers will supervise the voting for 10 hours. An extension of voting hours is possible and often implemented to increase turnout and enable it to be the “political epic” that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged.

More than 50 million eligible voters will have to choose from a slate of six presidential candidates and more than 800,000 local council candidates will be vying for 207,000 councilor seats.

This live blog will start Friday, June 14 at approximately 0800 Tehran time.