Iran has commenced the tallying of ballots for parliamentary and key clerical body elections amidst unofficial reports indicating that Friday's vote witnessed the lowest turnout since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The elections mark the first electoral cycle since widespread protests were sparked by the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, while in police custody. Amini was detained on allegations of violating Iran's stringent dress code for women.

With over 61.2 million eligible voters, two separate polls were conducted on Friday: one to determine the composition of the next parliament and another to elect members of the Assembly of Experts.

The Assembly of Experts is tasked with selecting and overseeing Iran's most influential figure and commander-in-chief, the supreme leader, who holds sway over critical issues such as social liberties and economic conditions.

Iran's economy has been severely impacted by international sanctions, an economic downturn, widespread hardships, and episodes of violent unrest.

Despite Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's call for citizens to exercise their voting rights, many Iranians remained divided over whether to participate in the electoral process.

The 2020 parliament was elected during the Covid-19 pandemic with a turnout of 42.57% - officially the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Early polling on Friday suggested the election's turnout could be at a new record low and is thought to be particularly low in the capital, Tehran.

A state-linked polling agency projected a 41% turnout for the parliamentary elections - which, if accurate, will be the lowest turnout in the past 12 such votes.

Noted