Iran State TV Declares Moderate Rouhani Wins Second Presidential Term

Joyful voters cast their ballots for the presidential election at a polling station in Tehran, Iran, on Friday. Photo: Vahid Salemi / Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s state television has declared incumbent President Hassan Rouhani the winner of the country’s presidential election, giving him a second four-year term to see out his agenda calling for greater freedoms and outreach to the wider world.

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State TV offered its congratulations in a brief statement Saturday, based on vote tallies.

Read: Burning Man Tries to Enter Iranian Embassy on Election Day

The 68-year-old has come to embody more liberal and reform-minded Iranians’ hopes for greater political freedom at home and better relations with the outside world.

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Preliminary vote tallies earlier had Rouhani ahead with 22.8 million votes, out of 38.9 million counted so far. Officials say more than 40 million people voted.