Iran has extended voting hours for its snap presidential election following a surge in voter turnout, Tasnim news agency reported on Friday.

Originally scheduled to close at 6 p.m. local time, polling places will now remain open until 8 p.m. local time (16:30 GMT).

The decision to extend voting time was made by the Interior Ministry due to the significant participation of voters across the country.

With over 61 million eligible voters and 59,000 polling locations available, the move aims to accommodate many Iranians exercising their right to vote.

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Earlier in the day, Iran's Interim President Mohammad Mokhber said that the voter turnout in the presidential election is "robust", according to initial reports from polling stations.

"My observations from visits to different stations confirm that there is robust participation in the electoral process," he said.

"People have always recognized the responsibility and have demonstrated large participation on different occasions, including elections," he added.

Candidates and Context

The snap election was called following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. According to Iran's constitution, such elections must be held within 50 days of the president's death or incapacity. Responsibilities have since been transferred to First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber.

Four candidates are competing in the election. They include reformist ex-health minister Masoud Pezeshkian and three conservatives: former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and ex-interior minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi, listed in order of declining popularity based on opinion polls.

President Raisi passed away on May 19 when his helicopter crashed during its return from a visit to neighboring Azerbaijan. Initial investigations by Iranian officials suggest the helicopter caught fire after striking a hilltop in dense fog.

In Iran's political structure, the president holds significant responsibilities as the second most important official after the supreme leader. These include implementing the country's constitution, managing the executive branch, and directing Iranian foreign policy.

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