Opposition complains of election ‘infractions’

TEHRAN — Before voting had even concluded in Iran’s presidential election on Friday, the head of the opposition campaign complained of multiple “infractions” and called for an intervention by authorities.

The campaign chief for hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi said there had been “propaganda actions by certain officials and supporters of the government” in favour of President Hasan Rohani, who is seeking re-election.

“Such infractions are immoral actions that violate people’s rights,” said Ali Nikzad.

Iranian election rules state that no one can seek to influence voters once the campaign finishes 24 hours before the polls open.

Another official in Raisi’s campaign said there had been 219 infractions so far on Friday, and that not enough ballot papers had been distributed in areas thought to favour Raisi, including his home city of Mashhad.