Moussavi may have won in the capital, "but he lost in the provinces, and that's something they have to come to terms with, " Afrasiabi said.

CNN: Moussavi vows to 'pay any cost' to fight Iran election results

But Kaveh Afrasiabi, a political scientist who supports Ahmadinejad, said the incumbent's widespread support in rural areas and small towns was the reason for his victory.

CNN: Moussavi vows to 'pay any cost' to fight Iran election results

Ahmadinejad is "populist" who favors "redistributive justice" and "pays keen attention" to rural areas and small towns, where 75 percent of Iran's voters live, Afrasiabi said.

CNN: Moussavi vows to 'pay any cost' to fight Iran election results