History of the Iranian Political Structure
Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which led to the toppling of the Pahlavi monarchy, a significant political shift occurred as Iran transitioned to an Islamic Republic. The new government aimed to establish a framework for governance through the creation of a constitution. Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini played a pivotal role in this process by mandating the formation of the Assembly of Experts, tasked with drafting the nation's constitution. This body presented the new constitution on October 24, 1979, which Khomeini and Prime Minister Mehdi Bazargan subsequently approved. The resulting constitution defined the political hierarchy, designating the Supreme Leader as the head of state and delineating the roles of the President and Prime Minister as heads of government. However, in a significant reform in 1989, the office of the Prime Minister was abolished, further consolidating power under the President and the Supreme Leader.
The political landscape underwent a notable transformation with the introduction of presidential elections. The first Iranian presidential election took place on January 25, 1980, culminating in the election of Abulhassan Banisadr, who received 76% of the popular vote. However, Banisadr's presidency was short-lived; Parliament impeached him on June 22, 1981. In the interim, the Provisional Presidential Council assumed presidential responsibilities until a new election was conducted on July 24, 1981, resulting in the election of Mohammad-Ali Rajai. Tragically, Rajai's time in office came to an abrupt end when he and his prime minister were assassinated in a bombing shortly after he took office. The subsequent election led to Ali Khamenei being elected president on October 13, 1981, cementing his ongoing influence in Iranian politics.
The political dynamics continued to evolve as different leaders took office for two terms, notably including Ali Khamenei, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Mohammad Khatami, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Hassan Rouhani. Ahmadinejad's presidency was particularly contentious, with the 2009 election marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities that sparked widespread protests across the nation, reflecting the deep divisions within Iranian society. Following Rouhani's two terms, Ebrahim Raisi was elected as the most recent president, taking over in a political landscape characterized by ongoing economic struggles and tensions both domestically and internationally.
Unfortunately, the sudden death of Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, further complicates the Iranian leadership's continuity. Raisi's demise marked him as the second Iranian president to die in office. His passing raised questions among political analysts and activists regarding the stability of the regime, yet Taghi Rahmani, husband of Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, asserted that this occurrence would unlikely alter the structural dynamics of the Iranian leadership under Khamenei's longstanding authority. Following Raisi's death, Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president, was appointed as the acting president until new elections could be organized for June 28, 2024.
Overall, while presidential elections in Iran generate considerable attention, they often do not lead to substantial change in governance or policy direction. The real power rests with Supreme Leader Khamenei, who has managed to maintain a tight grip on the political landscape. Observers, including researchers like Tallha Abdulrazaq, stress that the role of the president is often relegated to that of a scapegoat for the Supreme Leader. This delicate balance allows Khamenei to distance himself from unwanted outcomes while still claiming credit for successes, highlighting the complex interplay between different branches of power in Iran's political framework.
Political Structure in Iran
In Iran, the political structure is heavily influenced by the Supreme Leader, who occupies the highest authority in the country. The president, although elected by the public for a four-year term through direct voting, is largely subordinate to the Supreme Leader. Before assuming office, the president must secure the Supreme Leader's official approval and can be dismissed from power if impeached by the Parliament or found guilty of any constitutional violations by the Supreme Court. This concentration of power in the hands of the Supreme Leader undermines the functions of the presidency, creating a political dynamic where the president serves more as an executor of the Supreme Leader's wishes rather than an independent head of state.
The electoral process within this framework is tightly controlled. Aspiring presidential candidates must first receive approval from the Guardian Council, an entity whose members are appointed by the Supreme Leader. This process effectively restricts political participation and ensures that only candidates aligned with the Supreme Leader's worldview can compete in elections. The Iranian Constitution, specifically Chapter IX, delineates the qualifications for presidential candidates, but the ultimate authority for the election process rests with the Supreme Leader, who outlines procedures for all elections and holds sway over the final electoral outcomes.
Once elected, the president's role encompasses signing treaties with foreign nations and overseeing national planning and budgeting, but each of these responsibilities comes with significant oversight from the Supreme Leader. The president appoints ministers, yet these appointments must be approved by both the Parliament and the Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader has the unilateral power to dismiss or reinstate ministers, creating a tenuous situation for presidential leadership. Furthermore, key ministries, including those for defense and foreign affairs, are directly controlled by the Supreme Leader, further diluting the president's authority in these critical areas.
Ali Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader, has wielded significant power since ascending to this role over three decades ago. His influence is felt across various sectors, from the economy to education and foreign policy. Khamenei not only determines the strategic direction of national policies but has also dictated the degree of electoral transparency, shaping the political landscape to maintain the regime's control. Through his oversight and direct intervention, Khamenei has established a political environment where the presidency is secondary to the overarching authority of the Supreme Leader, solidifying a system where ultimate power is centralized and the prospects for democratic governance remain constrained.
Qualifications and Election Procedures
The election procedures for the presidency and various other offices in Iran are significantly governed by the Supreme Leader, the highest-ranking political and religious authority in the country. The President of Iran serves a four-year term and is elected through a national election process that employs universal adult suffrage, allowing all citizens aged 18 and older to participate. A noteworthy aspect of the presidential election is the restriction on consecutive reelection; a president can serve for only two terms in total, emphasizing the importance of periodic leadership changes.
Before a candidate can appear on the ballot, they must undergo a rigorous vetting process administered by the Council of Guardians, a body that plays a critical role in shaping Iran's political landscape. This council is composed of twelve members, split evenly between clerics appointed directly by the Supreme Leader and legal experts nominated by the Supreme Leader's designate within the judicial branch, and subsequently confirmed by the Majles, the Iranian parliament. Such a structure allows the Supreme Leader substantial influence over the approved candidates, fostering a political environment that aligns with the core principles of the Islamic Republic.
According to the Iranian Constitution, candidates must meet several qualifications before they can be considered for the presidency. These qualifications include being of Iranian origin, possessing a demonstrated administrative capacity and resourcefulness, having a good past record in public life, being trustworthy and pious, and holding a genuine belief in the principles of the Islamic Republic and the official creed of the country. The approval process is seen as a critical check on presidential authority, enabling the Council to exclude candidates viewed as unsuitable or who do not possess the requisite political standing. Historically, this vetting process has led to a significant limitation in the number of candidates; for instance, the 1997 election saw only four of 238 candidates cleared by the Council.
Critics, particularly from Western nations, often assert that the approval system primarily serves to favor conservative candidates and reinforces an Islamic fundamentalist political structure, effectively stifling alternatives and diverse viewpoints. While the Council argues that it has permitted reformist candidates in past elections, the overall trend has led to a restrictive political atmosphere that prioritizes safe, alignable candidates. The Council frequently dismisses contenders on the grounds that they lack the prominence required under current laws, underscoring the challenge of navigating Iran's complex political terrain.
In the event that no presidential candidate secures a simple majority during the first round of voting, the electoral process mandates a runoff between the two leading candidates. This mechanism ensures that the elected President reflects a broader consensus among voters, although the choice is often limited to candidates already endorsed by the Council of Guardians. Additionally, the elected President automatically assumes the roles of both Head of the Supreme National Security Council and Head of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, further consolidating their influence over Iran’s governance and policy direction. These roles highlight the President's integral position in managing not only the administrative aspects of the state but also the critical areas of national security and cultural direction.
Legality of Female Presidential Candidacy in Iran
The question of whether women can legally run for the presidency in Iran is complex and largely hinges on the interpretation of specific constitutional criteria. Article 115 of the Iranian constitution stipulates that the president must be selected from "religious and political men" or "religious and political personalities," with the Persian phrase "رجال مذهبی و سیاسی" (rejāl-e mazhabi va siāsi) being at the heart of the debate. The interpretation of the term "رجال" or "men" has historically led to differing opinions on women's eligibility for the presidency.
In 1997, this interpretation was notably applied when the Guardian Council, a powerful body responsible for ensuring candidates align with Islamic values and the constitution, rejected the candidacy of Azam Taleghani. Taleghani was a prominent figure striving to be the first woman to run for president, and her disqualification highlighted the challenges women face in Iranian politics, which can be tied to broader cultural and societal perceptions of gender roles.
However, the political landscape appears to be evolving. Ahead of the presidential elections in 2021, a significant shift occurred when the spokesperson for the Guardian Council stated that legally there is no barrier preventing a woman from assuming the presidency. This statement suggests an opening in the interpretation of constitutional law in favor of women's rights, a development that could signal a potential future for female candidates in the Iranian political arena. The changing dynamics indicate that, while barriers remain, there is a gradual acknowledgment of women's roles in government, which aligns with global movements advocating for gender equality in political representation.
Inability and Succession in the Iranian Constitution
The Iranian Constitution, in Article 131, delineates a structured process for presidential succession in circumstances such as death, dismissal, resignation, prolonged illness, or the expiration of the President's term without the election of a successor. This legal framework ensures continuity of governance and stability within the political system. According to this article, when the President is incapacitated, the first deputy assumes the responsibilities and powers of the President, but this transition requires the endorsement of the Supreme Leader. This provision highlights the concentrated nature of political authority in Iran, where the Leader holds significant influence over governmental functions.
Furthermore, the Constitution mandates a timeframe for the appointment of a new President. The Council, consisting of key figures such as the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Chief Justice, and the first deputy to the President, is tasked with organizing a presidential election within a maximum of fifty days from the time the Presidential powers are assumed by the first deputy. This stipulation reflects the urgency in addressing any leadership vacuum, as timely governance is critical to maintaining public order and confidence in the political system.
In scenarios where the first deputy is also incapacitated or if there is no first deputy available, the Supreme Leader has the authority to appoint an alternative individual. This provision further consolidates the Leader's role within the political structure, as they have the power to designate a substitute who can temporarily fill presidential duties. Such a mechanism illustrates the importance of maintaining stability and continuity in leadership, which is particularly crucial during periods of uncertainty or crisis. The succession plan outlined in Article 131 underpins the operations of the Iranian state by ensuring that governance remains uninterrupted, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Powers and Responsibilities
The President of Iran plays a crucial role within the executive branch of government, functioning primarily as the second-in-command after the Supreme Leader. This position is not only significant in terms of governance but also carries extensive responsibilities, including chairing the cabinet, which is comprised of the heads of various ministries. As the Chairperson of the Cabinet, the President enables collaboration among different branches of government, ensuring that the administration's policies and programs are executed effectively.
In addition to domestic responsibilities, the President also serves as the deputy commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, which underscores the intertwining of political authority with military leadership in Iran. This role involves overseeing military preparedness and strategy, although significant military decisions typically remain under the purview of the Supreme Leader. The President's capacity to declare a state of emergency is constrained by the requirement of parliamentary approval, and notably, the imposition of martial law is prohibited. This limits the President's ability to wield unilateral power in times of crisis, promoting a system of checks and balances within the Iranian political framework.
Moreover, the President heads the Supreme National Security Council, which is tasked with overseeing Iran's national security strategy and addressing matters related to defense policies, counter-terrorism, and international relations. This council is essential for shaping Iran’s response to regional and global security challenges. The President also leads the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, a body focused on promoting cultural policies that align with the Islamic Republic's values. This role illustrates the President's influence on the ideological shaping of society.
The appointment of the first Vice President and other Vice Presidents is another significant duty of the President, which aids in the management of various governmental functions. Additionally, the President has the authority to nominate Cabinet members to the Parliament, although these nominees require parliamentary approval before taking office. This procedure emphasizes the legislative body's role in overseeing the executive branch. Furthermore, the President engages in diplomatic relations by sending and receiving ambassadors, which is vital for maintaining international connections and fostering cooperation.
The President is also vested with the power to issue decrees and medals in recognition of national service, providing a means to honor individuals who contribute to the country's development and security. Signing treaties, contracts, and protocols is part of the President's duties, though these actions must be preceded by parliamentary approval, ensuring that Iran's international commitments align with the legislative branch's objectives. Finally, the President is responsible for signing results from referendums and legislation that have received approval from both the parliament and judiciary, thereby formalizing the legal and political processes of governance in Iran.
Recent Election Overview
The latest election in Iran showcased significant participation and engagement from the electorate, as reflected in the voter turnout and the distribution of votes among various candidates. In the first round, Masoud Pezeshkian, running as an independent, emerged as a front-runner, securing 10,415,991 votes, which amounted to 44.36% of the total valid votes. His closest competitor, Saeed Jalili, also an independent candidate with ties to the Principlists faction, garnered 9,473,298 votes, translating to 40.35% of the votes. This election reflects the political landscape in Iran, where both individual candidates and party affiliations significantly influence voter preferences and outcomes.
During the second round of voting, the competition intensified with Pezeshkian facing Jalili once again. In this round, Pezeshkian continued to solidify his lead, receiving 16,384,403 votes, which constituted 54.76% of the total. Jalili still maintained a solid showing with 13,538,179 votes or 45.24%. The significant voter turnout in the second round—a turnout rate of 49.68%—demonstrated an increase in public interest and engagement compared to the initial round, where turnout was recorded at 39.93%.
Total votes counted were 30,530,157 during the second round, out of which 29,922,582 were valid. This indicates a low rate of invalid or blank votes at just 1.99%, further showcasing the electorate's commitment to participating in the election process. In comparison, the first round saw a total of 24,535,185 votes cast, and valid votes accounted for 95.70%, with 4.30% recorded as invalid or blank. The overall trend indicates that the Iranian electorate is increasingly casting their votes, emphasizing the importance of elections in the country's political discourse.
These election results have implications not only for the governance of Iran but also for the various political alliances and factions, including the Reformists and Principlists, which can influence policymaking and Iran's position on international matters. The outcome paves the way for new discussions and potential shifts in both domestic and foreign policy as the newly elected officials take office, fulfilling their responsibilities as representatives of the Iranian people amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.