‘Reform’ was not the result

Thirty-two million voters participated in a record-breaking election in Iran. According to the 47% of votes tallied, Ahmedinejad is taking the lead at 67.7% while reformist Musavi is in second place with 30.34 percent of the votes.

According to the initial results of the election in Iran, in which a record-breaking number of voters participated, Mahmut Ahmedinejad is taking a wide lead. Meanwhile, reformist candidate Mir Huseyin Musavi made announcement as soon as the tollbooths were shut down, and stated; “The victory is ours. We have won the election.” This was the first time such a record breaking turnout was seen since the Islamic revolution. Out of 42.6 million voters, 32 million came out to vote, necessitating the voting process to be extended four times.Iranian citizens voted up until 23:00 last night. According to the Election Committee Chairman Karman Daniscu, out of 47% of the votes counted, at 15,251,781, a total of 10,230,478 went to Ahmedinejad. Therefore, Ahmedinejad is taking the lead at 67.7%. Mir Huseyin Musavi, having received 4,628,912 votes out of 47% tallied is coming in second with 30.34% of the votes. Coming in third is Muhdin Rizai with 1.7% of the votes and in fourth is Mehdi Kerruba with 0.87% of the votes. 

WOMEN SHOWED WIDE INTEREST

In bigger cities in Iran, the streets were overflowed by prospective voters even hours before the tollbooths opened at 08:00 am. Long lines were formed in tollbooths which were set up in mosques, schools, travelling buses, an deven street vendors. There was also a wide turnout of first-time voters. Women showed wide interest in the election, making up 49% of voters who participated.
The election results displayed a disticnt division amongst voters, Working class, traditionalists, conservatives and religious citizens voted for Ahmedinejad as did those residing in rural areas. Meanwhile, citizens wanting change, and the middle class voted for reformist candidate Mir Huseyin Musavi.