Hardliners set to control parliament

ISLAMIC hardliners moved closer to sealing control of parliament yesterday and appeared poised to push aside top opponents in the pro-reform stronghold of Tehran after disputed elections boycotted by liberals.

The conservative bloc a mix of hardliners and others considered loyal to the ruling clerics had won at least 135 seats in the 290-member chamber, according to Interior Ministry figures. Reformers and self-described independents had about 65.

That puts conservatives on the threshold of the 146 seat benchmark to claim a majority. They also were expected to consolidate gains as the vote count progresses. The final tally may not be known until today.