In Iran, the ruling Guardian Council has certified President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s victory in this month’s disputed national elections. On Monday, the council rejected widespread allegations of election fraud after a partial recount of ballots cast. The election’s certification leaves opposition groups with almost no legal means to pursue their calls for annulling the vote. The council announced its findings late in the evening in what critics called an attempt to avoid widespread protest. Reports on the ground say protesters were still heard throughout the night on the streets of Tehran.