TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian state TV says thousands of parliamentary candidates have launched their election campaigns ahead of Iran's Feb. 26 parliamentary vote.

Over 6,200 candidates, including 586 women, began a one-week campaign Thursday for a place in the country's 290-seat parliament.

In the Iranian capital Tehran over 1000 candidates are competing for just 30 seats.

The parliamentary elections will be seen as a vote on President Hassan Rouhani's moderate policies. He received a popularity boost following a landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

Reformist and moderate candidates have formed an alliance, hoping to challenge conservative lawmakers, who currently hold a majority in parliament.