After witnessing an unprecedented turnout in the country's hotly-contested presidential election, Iran closes polling stations but voters already queuing up are allowed to cast their ballots Press TV reports.
Polls were originally due to close at 6 p.m. local time (1330 GMT) but polling stations were ordered by the Interior Ministry to remain open until 10 p.m. as voters continued to stream to polling stations.
Initial results are not expected for at least 12 hours.
The incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seeks a second term in office while facing a strong challenge from former prime minister Mir-Hossein Moussavi. Two-time parliament Speaker Mehdi Karroubi (1989-1992 and 2000-2004) and Expediency Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei also battled for office.
If none of the four candidates in the race wins more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round, the top two finishers will compete in a runoff on June 19.
Long queues formed at voting centers early in the morning and some people said they waited for more than two hours to cast ballots.
Interior Minister Sadeq Mahsouli said the turnout is expected to be above 70 percent.
According to source, the number of cast ballot papers amounted to 24 million countrywide by 6 p.m. local time (0330 GMT).
The tight election was preceded by controversial televised debates and massive campaign rallies.
The live debates sparked enthusiasm among the people, particularly the women and younger voters, while many undecided eligible voters who stayed away from the polls in 2005 reportedly participated in the Friday poll.
The hopeful's campaigns were largely dominated by economic issues as the Iranian voters seek better improvements on the issue.
The crucial vote has also generated interest around the world with policymakers closely waiting for its outcome.
In Washington, President Barack Obama said his administration was "excited" about the "robust debate" taking place in Iran and he hoped it would help the two countries to engage "in new ways."
High on election, Iran closes presidential polls
