In any case, the opposition says there were so many other irregularities, that a recount alone would not satisfy them. For example, many more ballot papers were issued than counted, they say. Some people did not get enough ballot papers so they could not vote in areas loyal to the opposition. Polling stations were closed early, and so on and so forth.

Q&A: Latest from Tehran

Thousands of the president’s followers have converged there in a show of strength, cramming into tree-lined boulevards, some waving the national flag, as well as ones of orange, yellow and green.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has quit the cabinet, increasing pressure on UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Her departure is the second top-level resignation on the eve of the European and English local elections.

It led to stormy Commons scenes as Mr Brown denied his government was in “meltdown” and rejected calls for an immediate general election.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson has been forced to deny he is ready to take over amid reports of a backbench plot.

Mr Johnson told the BBC: “He is doing the job and there is absolutely no one who could do that job better.”

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