Ahmadinejad, Mousavi both 'victors' in Iran poll

TEHRAN: Moderate ex-premier Mir Hossein Mousavi claimed victory in a hotly contested presidential vote in Iran today while state news agency IRNA said hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had won.

The conflicting claims came even as crowds of voters were still queuing to cast their ballots long after balloting was officially over at 1000 pm (1730 GMT).

According to the interior ministry, all those in line at that time would be allowed to cast their ballots in the most hotly contested election since the Islamic revolution 30 years ago.

Even as the tail-enders were still voting, Mousavi called a news conference in Tehran to claim victory.

"In line with the information we have received, I am the winner of this election by a substantial margin," Mousavi said.

Only minutes earlier, close Mousavi aide Ali Akbar Mohatshemi-Pour told AFP his candidate had won 65 per cent of the vote.

IRNA, however, announced that Ahmadinejad had won reeleection.

"Doctor Ahmadinejad, by getting a majority of the votes, has become the definite winner of the 10th presidential election," it said.

The interior ministry said preliminary results were expected around 0400 am on Saturday (2330 GMT Friday).