Rouhani allies set for Iran parliament win
Although Iran's parliament has marginal powers -- under the country's theocratic rule senior clerics can veto legislation -- the result could open a delicate path to limited social and cultural change.
The return of reformists as a major force heralds a step change after an era of diplomatic clashes over Iran's nuclear programme that, before Rouhani, had left the country isolated.
In stark contrast to the first two-and-ahalf years of his presidency the election result should give him a parliament that supports his government. The outgoing conservative-dominated chamber repeatedly blocked Rouhani and even impeached one of his ministers.
The president's backers made huge gains in the first round on February 26, in which hardliners critical of the nuclear deal were all but eliminated but reformists still scored eight fewer seats than conservatives overall.
Iran does not have rigid party affiliations, making election outcomes notoriously opaque. Some candidates were backed by both camps and others stood as independents.
Of the 68 seats being contested Friday, 33 went to the pro-Rouhani List of Hope coalition and 21 to conservatives, according to the Fars news agency, an outlet close to conservatives.
That would give reformists 128 seats in the new 290-member parliament, 18 shy of a majority but more than their rivals' 124 MPs. Remaining seats went to independents who could hold the balance the power.
Another conservative news agency, Tasnim, said Rouhani's allies had won 35 seats in the second round, which was needed because no candidate won the minimum 25 percent required in the first ballot.
Iran's reformists have encouraged foreign investment, support moves for greater diplomatic rapprochement and seek social change and fewer political restrictions at home.
Their electoral gains in February came just six weeks after Tehran's implementation of the nuclear deal.