Iranian Polls Widely Covered By Pakistani Media

Islamabad, March 3, IRNA -- Almost all major Pakistani newspapers and TV channels on Friday exclusively reported in headlines the Iranian parliamentary elections. 'The News' website reported that Iran's ruling political and religious parties will contest parliamentary election on Friday. It said campaigners for both sides have been calling for a high turnout to show the country's legitimacy. 'The Nation' in its story said that Iran is to vote on Friday in parliamentary elections and Iranian leaders are keen to show a sign of defiance to the West. It said some 3,400 candidates are vying for the 290 seats in Iran’s legislative body, known as the Majlis. 'Daily Times' reported that Iran is to vote today (Friday) in parliamentary elections. The report said some 3,400 candidates are vying for the 290 seats in Iran’s legislature. Iran has an electorate of 48 million. Daily ‘Business Recorder’ website reported that Iran opened legislative election on Friday, with the country's 48 million voters ready to cast their votes. It said that the elections are intended to fill 290 parliamentary seats. Pakistan television said voters in Iran are taking part in elections to choose 290 members of the legislative body, the Majlis. It said the authorities are urging voters to come out in large numbers Dunya TV reported that Iran opened legislative elections on Friday, with the country’s 48 million voters. The elections will fill the 290 seats in parliament. The channel also showed footage of Iran's Supreme leader Ali Khamenei casting his ballot moments after polling began. The Guardian Council’s spokesman, Abbas Ali Kadkhodai, has predicted that 'the turnout will be more glorious than in the previous elections.' Geo TV said that that Iran's ruling political and religious parties will contest parliamentary election on Friday. It said campaigners for both sides have been calling for a high turnout to show the country's legitimacy. Samaa TV reported that polls opened on Friday for a parliamentary election in Iran. It said polling stations opened their doors to voters at 8 a.m. (0430 GMT). They are due to close at 6 p.m. Some 48.2 million Iranians are eligible to vote out of the population of 74 million. Daily ‘Jang’ said that Iran's ruling political and religious parties will contest in the parliamentary election on Friday. It said campaigners for both sides have been calling for a high turnout to show the country's legitimacy./end