Voting is taking place in Iran's parliamentary elections. State radio urged a strong turnout to show the West the country was unified.

About 4,500 candidates are vying for 290 seats. But reformists say most of their candidates have been disqualified from standing.

Conservatives and allies of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seem certain to keep their hold on parliament.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cast his vote at a religious centre. He has said Iranians should vote for anti-US candidates "whose loyalties are to Islam and justice".

The disqualification of reformist candidates has led some to boycott the poll. Official results will not be announced for several days.