Counting was on for yesterday's polls, considered a test for the popularity of the moderate policies of President Mohammed Khatami, and the first results were expected later tonight. If Khatami dominates the Majlis (parliament) he will be able to push his reformist policies but a defeat would spell doom for his liberalism.

A turnout of 40 million voters was recorded for the polls, which remained by and large peaceful though there were reports of some incidents of pre-election violence.

Khatami was the surprise winner of the presidential elections in 1997 when he defeated a conservative candidate riding on an overwhelming popularity among the young voters who were only 15 years and eligible to vote. He has often demonstrated his liberalism on international issues, recently stating that Iran will not pursue a fatwa onauthor Salman Rushdie.