Iran enhances security ahead of elections: report

Iran has set up special headquarters to tighten security measures in the border areas until the end of the parliamentary elections slated for Feb. 26, Tasnim news agency reported on Monday.

Iran's border police commander, Qasem Rezaee, said that the police forces have intensified security measures in the borders since two months ago, the report said.

The headquarters was established on Saturday to monitor the security activities in the areas until the election days are over, Rezaee was quoted as saying.

Iran's Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said the ministry has taken all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the upcoming elections.

Iranians will partake in the parliamentary election as well as the election for the members of the Assembly of Experts on Feb. 26.

Out of about 12,000 registered hopefuls, 6,229 qualified candidates will compete for 290 seats in the Majlis, or parliament.

The Majlis can force the dismissal of cabinet ministers by no-confidence votes and can impeach the president for misconduct in office.

The parliament also drafts legislation, ratifies international treaties and approves the national budget.

Meanwhile, 166 candidates will stand for an election to occupy 88 seats in the Assembly of Experts.

The assembly is a deliberative body of Islamic theologians or Mujtahids, elected for eight-year terms, and charged with electing and removing the supreme leader of Iran and supervising his activities. Endit