Candidates' representatives say Friday election peaceful, fair

Representatives of the candidates in Iran's presidential election have said the electoral process has been free and fair as they hailed the large participation of people. 

On Friday, Iranians cast their ballots in the 14th presidential election that will determine who will be in charge of the country’s executive branch for the next four years.

The voting started at 8 a.m. local time (0430 GMT).

People from all walks of life took part in the election to vote for their favorite candidate from among four presidential hopefuls following the withdrawal of two candidates.

Tayyebeh Mousavi, the representative of Massoud Pezeshkian's headquarters, told ISNA on Friday that people had a good turnout since the beginning of the voting which is still underway in safe and secure conditions.

She added that a huge number of people rushed to the polling stations across the country to cast their vote.

Over 61 million individuals were eligible to vote. Balloting took place at 58,640 locations nationwide, primarily in educational and religious sites. 

The snap election was triggered by the loss of former President Ebrahim Raeisi in a helicopter crash.

The former Iranian president, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and six others died on May 19, when their helicopter crashed in foggy weather in the mountains near the northwestern border with Azerbaijan. Their bodies were found the following day after a massive search operation.

Iran presidential election: Voting hours receive second extension amid robust turnout

The voting time in Iran

Safety 'in best conditions'

Alireza Sadeqi, the representative of the headquarters of Saeed Jalili, said people's participation in the election and its security are "in the best conditions."

He added that enthusiastic people with various cultural tendencies and political figures headed to the polls since the very beginning of the voting.

He called on the election's winner to try to work for the wise and committed people.

Election fully fair based on electoral rules

Morteza Rahimi, the representative of the headquarters of Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also hailed people's "very excellent and eye-catching" participation in the election.

He said security and electoral rules have been fully observed since Friday morning and no specific case has been reported about any irregularity.

Initial estimates of the election outcome are anticipated by Saturday morning, with the conclusive tally expected by Sunday.

Should no candidate achieve an outright majority in Friday's election, a runoff between the leading two contenders is scheduled for July 5, with the victor holding office for a term of four years.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir