Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 26
By Emil Ilgar - Trend:
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called the elections an independence and sovereignty symbol of the country.
Iran's Ministry of Interior affairs is responsible for observing the elections.
After casting votes at the parliament and Assembly of Experts elections in Tehran, Rouhani said that Iranians now decide on the future of Iran, IRNA reported on Feb.26.
He added that the elections are being held in full security and stability with passionate presence of voters. He also said a huge turnout at the elections is expected.
He said that government attempts to do its best to protect the legality, safety and transparency of the elections.
Rouhani went on to say that the next-elected parliament with any composition based on people's decision is honorable, respectful and all should revere to majority's vote.
During the round of elections, 4844 candidates are competing, while about 55 million Iranians are eligible to vote. Each nominate should get at least 25 percent of votes in his constituency, otherwise the second round of elections is held, a month after the results of first round.
At 8:00 local time (GMT +3:30), Iranians started voting to elect 290 members of the Parliament (majlis), and 88 members of the Assembly of Experts.
Before him, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei voted and called on those who loves Iran, Islamic Republic to particulate in the voting for the country's honor.
Iran's ex-president Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani and some grand Ayatollahs, including Nuri Hamedani, Makarem Shirazi and Jafar Sobhani also cast their votes.