DUSHANBE, June 15, Asia-Plus – Iran is bracing for more protests over its presidential election results after defeated candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi called for them to be annulled, BBC News reports.
His supporters are planning a large rally on Monday, after two days of unrest sparked by the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Mr. Mousavi has claimed widespread fraud and US Vice-President Joe Biden says there are “real doubts” about the poll.
There were clashes between the police and anti-Ahmadinejad protesters in several parts of the city for a second day on Sunday. Scores of people are reported to have been arrested.
Mr Ahmadinejad dismissed the unrest as “passions after a soccer match”.
Mr Mousavi”s website carried a statement saying he had formally called on Iran’s Guardian Council, which must certify the counting, to annul the election. He added: “I urge you, Iranian nation, to continue your nationwide protests in a peaceful and legal way.”
The Reuters news agency said Mr Mousavi”s supporters were planning a rally on Monday afternoon but it was unclear whether the authorities would allow it.
One of the country”s leading dissidents, Ibrahim Yazdi, told the BBC there had been clear signs of fraud in the poll, with detailed results being withheld.
More foreign powers are also expressing concern about the election. In an interview on US television, Mr Biden said: “It sure looks like the way they”re suppressing speech, the way they”re suppressing crowds, the way in which people are being treated, that there”s some real doubt.” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he had summoned the Iranian ambassador to explain the election. “There are a lot of reports about electoral fraud,” he said. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said: “I am sorry that instead of openness there has been a somewhat brutal reaction.”
But Mr. Ahmadinejad was congratulated by the presidents of Iraq, Afghanistan and Venezuela.
Unrest flared after a high turnout in Friday”s election – estimated at 85% – led Mr Mousavi”s supporters to expect a close result. But official results gave Mr Ahmadinejad a landslide victory. His final share of the vote was almost 63%. The result was quickly endorsed by Ayatollah Khamenei.
