Iran has extended voting hours in the presidential runoff election for a second time, with polls now set to close at 22:00 local time, election official Mohsen Eslami told state broadcaster IRIB late on July 5.

The decision to keep polling stations open for an additional two hours comes after an earlier extension from the original 18:00 closing time to 22:00 in some locations. Turnout is reportedly up on the first round of voting, with authorities claiming that more than 40% of eligible voters reached ballot boxes by 20:30 local time outperforming the initial vote. 

The runoff pits reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian, a former health minister, against ultra-conservative Saeed Jalili, who represents the Supreme Leader in Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

This second round of voting became necessary after neither candidate secured the required majority in the initial election on June 28.

Iranian officials often extend voting hours in elections, citing high turnout. However, independent verification of turnout figures is not possible.

The extended hours could be crucial in determining the outcome of this closely watched election, which will decide Iran's political direction for the next four years.

Iranians began voting on July 5 in a presidential runoff between reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and conservative Saeed Jalili, with polling stations opening at 08:00 local time.

The snap election on 28 June failed to produce a clear winner, with Pezeshkian securing 10.41mn votes and Jalili 9.47mn, both falling short of the required 50% threshold.

Counting could last until late into the night with several international locations likely to send in their results throughout the evening to Interior Ministry officials.

In televised debates earlier this week, the candidates largely agreed on measures to address economic woes but diverged on key issues.

Pezeshkian advocated for the full implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and the lifting of US-led sanctions. Jalili, however, pushed for economic diversification to counter the impact of sanctions.

The reformist candidate championed private sector growth, whilst his conservative rival favoured greater state economic control.

The contenders also differed on strategies to achieve the eight-percent economic growth target outlined in Iran's development plan.

Pezeshkian condemned the Raisi administration's unfulfilled promises of doubling employment and building a million homes annually.

"In these three years, only permits for 900,000 homes have been issued," he noted the massive price increases in apartments in Tehran and other cities as part of the broader problem.

"I will act quickly in this regard," he pledged, acknowledging that not all of Iran's economic problems stem from US sanctions.

The Reformist advocated for boosting domestic production through public participation and outlined his plan for economic advancement, which has garnered support from over 140 economists with diverse perspectives.