“I want Rouhani to carry out his promises.”Rouhani won 21.6 million votes in Friday’s hard-fought contest, compared to 14 million for Raisi, with 37 million votes counted, the source said, adding about four million more votes were still to be tallied. Ahmadi, the interior ministry official, said that with 25 million ballots certified by the authorities so far, Rouhani had won 14.619 million and Raisi gained 10.125 million. He said 40 million votes had been cast, indicating a turnout of about 70 percent, roughly similar to the showing in 2013. Raisi, 56, had accused Rouhani of mismanaging the economy and has travelled to poor areas, speaking at rallies pledging more welfare benefits and jobs. Rouhani had urged the Guards not to meddle in the vote, a warning that reflects the political tension.

Source: Egypt Independent May 20, 2017 06:22 UTC