Iran has experienced the lowest turnout in a parliamentary election since 1979. Over 42.6% of eligible voters cast their ballots.

Thousands of contenders, including reformers, have been banned by the officials.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has called turnout stunning. He said Iran’s enemies have attempted to stop people from voting by exaggerating coronavirus outbreak.

According to the official website Khamenei.ir, the Iranian leader said, “This negative propaganda about the virus began a couple of months ago and grew larger ahead of the election,”

“Their media did not miss the tiniest opportunity for dissuading Iranian voters and resorting to the excuse of disease and the virus.”

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said that the low turnout was “completely acceptable” as Iran reported coronavirus outbreak, severe weather conditions, protests, and after the Ukrainian plane incident.

He informed that the turnout in Tehran was just 25.4%, conservatives who support Ayatollah won all 30 seats in Tehran.

Former Revolutionary Guard Commander Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf won at the top. He is likely to become the next parliamentary speaker.

Counting of votes in Iran is still underway, the same results are expected to come.