Tehran, May 10 (EFE).- The second round of Iran’s parliamentary elections kicked off on Friday after a first round marked by low turnout and the victory of the conservatives.

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casts his electronic vote during the second round of parliamentary elections in Tehran, Iran, 10 May 2024. EFE-EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

Some 11,500 polling stations in 22 constituencies across 15 provinces of the country opened their doors at 8 am and will close at 6 pm, the official IRNA agency reported.

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C) casts his electronic vote during the second round of parliamentary elections in Tehran, Iran, 10 May 2024. EFE-EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

A total of 90 candidates are vying for 45 of the 290 seats in the Iranian parliament in 22 constituencies where the candidates did not secure the required minimum 20 percent of votes in the first round, according to the Election Office.

In Tehran, 32 candidates are contesting for 16 seats.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, cast his vote early Friday and once again urged citizens to participate in the elections, saying it was their duty to do so.

The conservatives secured a majority in parliament in the first round of the elections, which were marked by a historic low turnout.

Turnout in the parliamentary elections, held on Mar. 1, was 41 percent, according to the interior ministry, the lowest in the 45 years of the Islamic Republic, established in 1979.

The Islamic Republic has always given great importance to a high turnout as proof of its legitimacy and popular support.

The low turnout in the March elections was attributed to widespread discontent and the poor economic situation of the country.

A large number of reformist candidates – who support the gradual opening of the country – were disqualified by the Guardian Council, a body that has veto power over the laws approved in parliament and the authority to vet political candidates.

This year’s elections are also the first after massive protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini after being arrested for not wearing the hijab.

At least 500 people were killed in a police crackdown during the protests, which demanded an end of the Islamic regime. EFE

jlr/pd