Mousavi has claimed victory in the presidential election, and IRNA (state news channel) claims that Ahmadinejad is the clear winner. It’s only midnight on the day of elections in Iran and tens of millions showed up to vote (with estimates stating about 70% voter turnout).
It’s much too early to claim victory for anyone, so it’s quite unusual and suspicious that an unannounced press conference took place at the Interior Ministry claiming that Ahmadinejad had 69% of the votes after about 20% of the votes have been counted. The total for the other candidates didn’t make sense, their totals added up to over 100%. Providing this seemingly flawed count only hours after polls were closed has taken people by surprise.
These early counts are said to be from the countryside where Ahmadinejad is stronger.
Filed under: Editorial, Iran, Middle East, Politics | Tagged: Iran
