Iran - elections

Supreme leader praises successful election

Article published on the 2009-06-13 Latest update 2009-06-13 13:32 TU

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad flashing the victory sign after casting his ballot in Tehran on 12 June
(Photo: Reuters)

Madmoud Ahmadinejad has taken 24 million votes in Iran’s presidential ballot, securing re-election after a massive turnout at polling stations.

Ahmadinejad took 62.63 per cent of the vote, with his nearest rival Mir Hossein Mousavi garnering 33.75 per cent of the poll, according to Interior Minister Sadeq Madhsouli.

Mahsouli said turnout was 39.1 million, representing 85 per cent of eligible voters. And Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised Ahmadinejad’s re-election on Saturday.

“80 per cent and the 24 million votes for the president-elect is a real feast which can guarantee the country’s progress, national security and lasting joy,” he said.

But Khamenei, who has been the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, warned that “the enemies [of Iran] may want to spoil the sweetness of this event … with some kind of ill-intentioned provocations.”

He also warned supporters of all candidates in the election to avoid any provocative action or words.