An Iranian casts a ballot during a general election.[/caption]Afghan President Hamid Karzai has congratulated Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and the Iranian nation and government on the successful holding of the countrys 11th presidential election.
In a Saturday message, Karzai expressed his gladness over the calm and peaceful environment of Iran's June 14 election and the high voter turnout, describing the event as another democratic step in a neighboring country.
Karzai expressed optimism that bilateral relations between his country and Iran would further expand under the new Iranian administration.
On Friday, millions of Iranians cast their ballots in the countrys 11th presidential vote as well as the City and Village Council elections.
Nearly 50.5 million Iranians, including more than 1.6 million first-time voters, were eligible to vote in the June 14 elections.
Informed sources say voter turnout in the Friday vote was around 80 percent.
If a candidate wins over fifty percent of the vote, he will replace incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Otherwise, a run-off will be held in a weeks time to determine the final winner.
According to the vote tally so far, Reformist candidate Hassan Rowhani is in the lead with a wide margin in the Iranian presidential election.
By Press TV
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