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Iranians have begun voting in a presidential contest which pits President Hassan Rouhani against a serious challenger, Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi, in what is believed to be a close race, Press TV reports. 

According to the source, some 63,500 polling stations opened at 08:00 local time (0330 GMT) Friday for long lines which had already formed around the country where more than 56 million are eligible to vote.

Polls close at 18:00 (1330 GMT), but voting hours will most likely be extended as the country has seen in previous elections, amid expectations of a high turnout.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was among the first to cast his ballot, calling on Iranians to turn out in big numbers.

Speaking after casting his vote, the Leader said, “I thank God Almighty for the blessing of democracy and people's participation in the election. This is a great blessing.”

Ayatollah Khamenei described the 2017 elections as very important, saying the destiny of the country is in the hand of the masses.

To remind, four candidates are running for presidency: Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, who seeks the second term, former Prosecutor General Ebrahim Raisim, former Culture Minister Seyed Mostafa Agha Mirsalim and former Industries Minister Mostafa Hashemitaba.

The first two candidates are the frontrunners and opinion polls show they have equal chances to secure victory.