TEHRAN – The polls opened across Iran at 8 a.m. local time (0430) on Friday for parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections.

More than 61 million people are eligible to vote.

About 15, 000 parliamentary candidates are vying for 290 seats for a four-year term.

Simultaneously, people vote for 88 members of the Assembly of Experts, a body in charge of overseeing the performance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, appointing or dismissing him. Candidates for the assembly are elected for an eight-year term.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, cast his ballot at a polling station in Tehran in the first minutes of voting. 

Ayatollah Khamenei called on the voters to turn in big numbers to please friends and disappoint enemies. 

“We ask the Almighty God to make today a happy day for the Iranian nation and that the results of the efforts of our dear people and those involved in the various issues of the elections may reach the desired results and benefit the Iranian nation," the Leader said after voting. 

“Our dear nation should know that today the eyes of many people in the world, both individuals and politicians and those who hold prestigious national and political positions, are on Iran and you.

"They want to see what you are doing in this election and what will be the result of your election. Both our friends and people who are interested in the Iranian nation, as well as ill-wishers from all sides, the eyes observe the issues of our country and our beloved nation. Pay attention to this; make friends happy and disappoint the ill-wishers.”  

The Leader repeated his recommendation to the voters in the previous elections to head to the polls and vote as early as possible.

"The second recommendation is to vote for as many people as you need, not fewer, in any constituency. For example, in Tehran, vote for 30 people in the Islamic Consultative Assembly and for 16 people in the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership," he added.