Iranians go to the polls today

The conservatives who have dominated Iran's parliament since 2004 are expected to tighten their hold, with few reformist candidates even allowed on the ballot.

The election is largely a contest between two rival conservative factions, one more closely allied to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the other favoring a more pragmatic approach to issues such as Iran's dealings with the West over its nuclear program.

"This is I think the worst election Iran has ever seen since the beginning of the Islamic Republic," said Ali Nourizadeh, an Iranian journalist and political commentator based in London.

During pre-election vetting of candidates, hundreds of people were disqualified, including most of the candidates from the so-called reformist camp.  They tend to favor improved relations with the West and more freedom in Iran.