HARDLINERS EXPECTED TO SWEEP ELECTIONS

DUBAI Hardliners loyal to Iran’s supreme leader are likely to sweep a parliamentary election on Friday that will cement their grip on power as the country faces mounting U.S. pressure over its nuclear program and growing discontent at home.

The vote will have no major influence on foreign affairs or Iran’s nuclear policy, which is determined by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But it might bolster hardliners in the 2021 contest for president and toughen Tehran’s foreign policy.

Iranian authorities forecast a turnout of about 50 per cent, compared to 62 per cent in the 2016 vote.

Disenchantment among many women and the young — who comprise a majority of voters — over high unemployment, soaring inflation and restrictions on personal freedoms looked likely to depress the turnout.