Iran’s top electoral body, the Guardian Council, has confirmed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s victory in the disputed presidential election. News of the decision, which comes after a series of protests by the opposition against what it says was a rigged ballot, was announced by state TV. The 12-strong council is the most influential body in Iran and is currently controlled by conservatives. Some 17 people are thought to have died during opposition street protests. “The secretary of the Guardian Council in a letter to the interior minister announced the final decision of the Council… and declares the approval of the accuracy of the results of… the presidential election,” the state broadcaster said
