Rouhani Allies Sweep Tehran Seats in Poll Boost for Moderates

Allies of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made significant gains as preliminary results from last week’s twin election were announced, with reformist and moderate candidates capturing all 30 parliamentary seats in Tehran.

The early victories and reports of a high turnout spurred claims of victory on social media by activists and media who share Rouhani’s ambition of overhauling the post-sanctions economy with the help of foreign investment and perhaps easing some social restrictions. Yet to secure control of the legislature and confront entrenched conservative power in other governing institutions like the judiciary, the president will need similar wins nationwide.