Iranians Hail New President, Rouhani

Iran's President elect, Hassan Rouhani

Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets of Tehran, shouting pro-reform slogans and hailing Hassan Rouhani's election as president.

The reformist-backed cleric won just over 50% of the vote and so avoided the need for a run-off, reports the BBC.

Rouhani said his win was a "victory of moderation over extremism".

The US expressed concern at a "lack of transparency" and "censorship" but praised the Iranian people and said it was ready to work with Tehran.

Some 72.2% of the 50 million eligible voters cast ballots on Friday to choose the successor to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei congratulated Rouhani on his victory, saying: "I urge everyone to help the president-elect and his colleagues in the government, as he is the president of the whole nation."

Ayatollah Khamenei will ratify the vote on 3 August and the new president will then take the oath in parliament.

There were scenes of celebration in the capital, as thousands of people, many sporting Rouhani's election colour of purple, took to the streets.

Security officials stood by but did not intervene as crowds chanted: "Long live Rouhani".


-- BBC