In Iran, ultra-conservatives won the second round of parliamentary elections

Conservative parties won a majority of seats in the second round of elections and now control parliament. Associated Press reports .

Conservative hardliners now control 233 of the 290 seats, according to the agency's tally.

Politicians calling for change (reformists) were prohibited from participating in elections. Those who called for radical changes or the dismantling of the theocratic system were also not allowed. It is reported that many of them did not register as candidates themselves.

The parliamentary elections took place after the suppression of mass protests in the country, Radio Liberty notes . Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on citizens to come to the polling stations. However, the turnout turned out to be the lowest in history, the publication writes, citing the Iranian service, Radio Farda.

In the first round in March, the official turnout was 41% (in Tehran - 26%), which was the lowest result in the country's history. In this election, opposition statistics estimate turnout in Tehran at 8%.

Iran's parliament plays a minor role in governing the country, but it can put pressure on the administration when making decisions on the budget and other important bills, the AP notes. At the same time, the last word in all important state affairs remains with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.