Divided Iran votes on president

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Iranians to vote in large numbers and derided international misgivings about the credibility of the election.

"Recently I have heard that a US security official has said they do not accept this election," Khamenei said. "OK, the hell with you."

Iran's Guardian Council barred several candidates from the ballot, including former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who is seen as sympathetic to reform. Instead, voters may choose from a slate of six candidates, all of whom were approved to run by the council.

"What is important is that everyone takes part," Khamenei said. "Our dear nation should come with excitement and liveliness, and know that the destiny of the country is in their hands and the happiness of the country depends on them."

‘The history here'

Polls opened at 8 a.m. (0330 GMT). Up to 50 million could vote, 1.6 million for the first time, to replace President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has completed the maximum two terms in office.

The election will unlikely signify profound change in Iran's foreign relations. Five conservative candidates obedient to Khamenei - three considered to have a chance of winning or making a runoff - face the moderate cleric Hassan Rohani, an establishment figure but the hopeful most likely to pursue a conciliatory foreign policy.

Rafsanjani urged reform-minded Iranians to vote after members of the opposition called for a boycott due to sore feelings over violence in 2009.

Also bringing up 2009, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki urged Iranians to vote.

"We certainly encourage them to," Psaki said. "But certainly the history here and what happened just four years ago gives all of us pause."

The 2009 aftermath

Tight security surrounded subdued campaigns this year, in contrast to 2009's enthusiasm, when reformist supporters thought they scented victory and the prospect of change in Iran. Those hopes were dashed when Ahmadinejad was returned to office by results the reformists said were rigged.

The government cracked down on protests after the election, killing several people and arresting hundreds. Those reformist candidates remain under house arrest.

With no reliable opinion polls, it remains difficult to gauge public mood - or how much Khamenei will exert influence. Polling stations were to be kept open until 6 p.m., but the voting hours were extended into the evening due to high turnout, the Interior Ministry said Friday.

mkg/dr (AFP, Reuters, AP, dpa)