Duality by Design: The Iranian Electoral System - IFES

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Duality by Design
Foreword
Since 1987, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems has provided
technical insights on the election process based on an understanding of
the structure of national election management bodies and national election
law. In the aftermath of Iran’s last election, it became clear there is a gap in
understanding the architecture, history and practices of the Iranian electoral
system.
Duality by Design: The Iranian Electoral System is a comprehensive overview
of the “rules of the game” for presidential, parliamentary and local council
elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also provides an assessment
of the election management bodies involved in the implementation and
supervision of elections.
Iran’s constitution establishes the nation as both a democracy and a
theocracy, blending the liberal notion of popular sovereignty with oversight
by the Guardian Council to ensure political candidates, laws and regulations
adhere to Islamic practices. This duality is reflected in its electoral system.
For example, citizens cast ballots for president and parliament, but the
candidates are first vetted by the Guardian Council. The Ministry of Interior
manages the country’s elections, but the Guardian Council monitors and
verifies the election processes.
This report captures the tandem construct of Iran’s democratic system.
It organizes and makes available both historical information going back
nearly 100 years along with an overview of elections since the 1979 Islamic
Revolution. IFES hopes this contribution permits greater understanding of
the role of elections in Iran.
Bill Sweeney
President & CEO
International Foundation for Electoral Systems