Iranians Set To Vote After Week Of Intense Campaign Activity

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranians have begun voting in a key presidential election pitting hard-liner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad against a pro-reform challenger more open to improving ties with the U.S.

State media announced early Friday that more than 45,000 polling stations across the country had opened.

Voter turnout is expected to be high during the 10 hours of voting.

The election is seen as a referendum on Ahmadinejad. His top opponent, Mir Hossein Mousavi, has energized many youth who want fewer hard-line Islamic restrictions and better international relations.

There are about 46 million eligible voters in Iran, a country of 70 million people.

The other two candidates running are conservative Mohsen Rezaei and reformist Mahdi Karroubi.

Comments

[Taz2]

07:52 PM on 06/11/2009

Whom every wins, it's nice to see that the people of iran are speaking out and that is progress!!

I also think our new President is having an positive effect on middle-eastern politics!!!

[Rangergirl]

12:57 PM on 06/11/2009

Now what will the repubs say if the pro Western candidate wins? They will NEVER admit that President Obama's speech in Cairo had anything to do with it. Will they?

[ThankGodforAtheists]

11:38 AM on 06/11/2009

Although I have my doubts as to whether the Green party will win, it is great to see the amount of opposition to the current leadership. It speaks volumes about the Iranian people.

[Just2stressed]

11:13 AM on 06/11/2009

I suspect Ahmadenijad will win.

[AmandaSabater]

11:12 AM on 06/11/2009

Iranians get rid of Ahmadinejad before he destroys Iran ....time for social reform vote for Mir-Hossein Mousavi!!!