DTN News: Iranian Officials ~ Ahmadinejad Heading For Landslide Victory

DTN News: Iranian Officials ~ Ahmadinejad Heading For Landslide Victory

*Source: VOA News

(NSI News Source Info) TEHRAN - June 13, 2009: Iran's Interior Ministry said Saturday hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was heading for a landslide victory in the country's presidential election, but his main moderate challenger alleged irregularities and claimed victory for himself.

Supporters of Iranian presidential candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad celebrate in Tehran after preliminary results showed him leading early June 13, 2009. State media declared President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner of Iran's election but challenger Mirhossein Mousavi alleged irregularities and claimed victory for himself.

Results show that with nearly 80% of Friday's votes counted, Mr. Ahmadinejad has won 65% to about 32% for reformist rival Mir Hossein Mousavi, a former Iranian prime minister. Final results were expected sometime Saturday.

Iran's state news agency has declared Mr. Ahmadinejad the winner, but Mr. Mousavi also claimed victory late Friday at a news conference in Tehran. He did not give details to support his claim but said there were problems with the voting due to a shortage of ballots in some areas.

The initial results surprised many analysts who predicted a tight race between the incumbent president and Mr. Mousavi, with voters turning out to the polls in massive numbers Friday. Hossein Mousavi shows ink on his finger as proof of casting his vote in the Iranian presidential electionOfficials extended voting hours to accommodate long lines at polling stations.

Election commission chief Kamran Daneshjou said turnout was "unprecedented." Officials predicted a turnout of 70% or more of Iran's 46 million eligible voters.

Reformist cleric Mehdi Karroubi and conservative former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezaei also competed in the poll, in which Iran's economy, nuclear program and foreign relations were said to play a key role.

Mr. Ahmadinejad's rivals have accused him of badly mismanaging the economy and tarnishing Iran's image, further isolating the country from the West.