TEHRAN -- Iranians on Friday voted in a runoff election for the remaining seats in the country’s parliament, with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei calling for a strong turnout.  
People in 22 constituencies across the country were electing 45 representatives from a pool of 90 candidates. The voting began in 15 provinces at 8 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) on Friday.
In the capital, Tehran, 16 representatives will be chosen from 32 candidates. Final results are expected on Monday, though counts in smaller constituencies are likely before that.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei cast his ballot at a polling station in Tehran in the first minutes of voting.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that every person, who wants Iran’s progress, has a national duty to take part in the election.
“The importance of the second round is not less than the first one, and God willing, our beloved people will all participate, vote and complete the parliament,” the Leader added.
“The more votes, the stronger the parliament is, and the stronger the parliament, the more opportunities to work in the country.”
Mohsen Eslami, spokesman of Iran’s Election Headquarters, said on Thursday that the polling stations would remain open for 10 hours. He noted that the time may be extended upon the decision of the Interior Ministry.
The first round of the parliamentary election, which was held along with the Assembly of Experts vote on March 1, saw a turnout of 41 percent.
Back then, 245 candidates managed to pass the 20-percent threshold to win the ticket to the parliament. 
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said participation in the second round was “as important” as the first.
“Those with influence among the people should encourage the nation to participate in it,” he said.