Iran has started counting votes in its parliamentary election, state television said on Saturday.

Despite the closing time had been seet for 6 pm (local time), it has been extended at least five times.

It is believed that hardline allies of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are likely to gain a seizable majority.

The same Khamenei, argued that going to the polls was not only a civic duty, but also a religious one.

He simbolically opened the voting procedures on Friday morning and called 58 million voters to vote for "securing national interests".

According to Fars news agency, however, the participation rate in the elections was around 40 percent by 6 pm.

The official announcement of the participation rate is expected to be announced today. Final results are not expected before Sunday.

Turnout was 62% in the 2016 parliamentary vote and 66% of people voted in 2012.