The re-election of Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has led to violent clashes between police and supporters of the opposition candidate, Mir Hossein Moushavi. Thousands of protestors have flooded the streets of Tehran causing riot police to use batons and tear gas against them.
The violence, described as the worst for a decade in the city, came after Mir Hossein Moushavi claimed that the election results were a 'charade'. The Obama administration has expressed their doubts about the results, descring them as "not credible". Mr Moushavi has declared that he is the winner of the polls despite Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declaring Mr Ahmadinejad as president. Ayatollah Ali Khamanei has also praised the high turnout of 85% and said that the "sweetness of this event" should not be spoiled. He said that there should be a "real celebration" amid calls for calm in the country.
Mr Moushavi has claimed that the election results are invalid as he said that there were a number of "obvious violations" of electoral procedure. He says that a lack of ballot papers in some polling stations meant that millions were denied their right to vote. He added "The result of such performance by some officials will jeopardise the pillars of the Islamic Republic and will establish tyranny." All three of Ahmidenjad's opponents are calling for a re-run and have asked Iran's Guardian Council, a powerful body of clerics, to cancel the result, calling it "illegitimate and unacceptable".
Electoral officials say that Mr Ahmidenejad recieved 63% of the vote with Mr Moushavi polling 34% and the other candidates 1%.
These results have been met with skepticism by some Iranians leading some to take to the streets in protest. Mir Hossein Moushavi's supporters have made the bulk of crowd shouting "Down with the dictarship" as police reacted violently hitting the protestors with batons and using tear gas.
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