This is just one of many stories describing how candidates and voters in Iran are using new media to share their views.

Emails and blogs are also playing a big part for the first time in a country more used hearing political messages blared through loudspeakers on small trucks, seeing gaudy posters and being herded to campaign rallies.

The government, whose support base centers on the rural poor, is sending its own texts and emails lauding Ahmadinejad’s achievements, but is also showing signs of concern.