Iran reformists storm to victory in Tehran council vote

Following late night parties in Iran's capital following the re-election of President Hassan Rouhani, Tehran moderates had another reason to celebrate as reformists swept the city council election.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

21 May, 2017

Moderates swept to victory in the Tehran council elections [AFP]

Iran's reformists and moderates have swept to power in Tehran's city council winning all 21 seats, local media reported on Sunday.

It was another boost to the reformist camp after the resounding re-election of moderate President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday.

It means moderates and reformists now control Tehran city council and the presidency.

Voters in Tehran had to choose 21 councillors for the city of nine million, and stuck resolutely to the names put forward by the moderate-reformist camp.

At the top of the list was Mohsen Hashemi, son of one of the Islamic revolution's founding fathers, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died in January.

He became an important figure behind the recent alliance of moderates and reformists that propelled Rouhani to power in 2013.

The result meant that conservatives have been knocked from power in the capital for the first time in 14 years.

The incumbent mayor, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stood for the presidential election but dropped out just before the vote to back hardliner Ebrahim Raisi.

The council will choose a new mayor when it convenes within the next 45 days.