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Possible fraud Iran's election:

Mousavi declares himself 'winner'

By ANNA JOHNSON and BRIAN MURPHY

(Associated Press Writers Anna Johnson And

Brian Murphy, Associated Press Writers) – 9 mins ago

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's interior ministry said Saturday President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took a commanding lead with nearly 70 percent of all votes counted, but his pro-reform rival countered that he was the clear victor and warned of possible fraud in the election.The dispute rose up even before the votes were counted — sharply boosting tensions after an intense monthlong race between the combative president and his main challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi, who has the backing of a growing youth-oriented movement.

Mousavi declared himself "definitely the winner" based on "all indications from all over Iran." He also alleged widespread irregularities, including closing polls with voters still waiting - suggesting he was ready to challenge the results. But bringing any showdown into the streets would certainly face a swift backlash from security forces, which have already issued stark warnings against unrest or any threat to the Islamic regime. A series of cyber-strikes — text messaging blackouts, blocks on pro-Mousavi Web sites and widespread Internet disruptions — also raised worried that authorities were prepared to exert further pressures on the communications lifelines of the rejuvenated reformist movement.

The messy and tense outcome capped a long day of voting. It was extended for several hours to accommodate a huge turnout that had people waiting for hours at polling stations in blistering heat and nighttime downpours. Mousavi, a 1980s-era prime minister, had been counting on an outpouring from what's been called his "green tsunami" — the signature color of his campaign and the new banner for reformists seeking wider liberties at home and a gentler face for Iran abroad. He raised hopes that a new leadership might embrace President Barack Obama's invitation.