Duality by Design: The Iranian Electoral System - IFES

74
Duality by Design
It is, however, possible to distinguish the two main currents in Iranian
political system according to their views on religio-political, socio-cultural
and economic issues. In the post-Khomeini era, the radical left factions
(commonly known as reformists), while remaining loyal to the concept of
velayat-e faqih (absolute mandate of the jurisconsult), believe that the
legitimacy of the regime is also dependent on its populist dimensions. This
interpretation is in direct contrast to that of the conservative right or hardliners,
who believe that the populist dimensions of the regime are subordinate to
the concept of velayat-e faqih. On sociocultural issues, the left preaches
tolerance, moderation and cultural diversity, while the right emphasizes
the preservation of Islamic culture. On economic issues, the left factions
pursue the eradication of socioeconomic injustices and believe in the equal
distribution of wealth. The conservative right, on the other hand, because
of their its connection with the bazaar supports a free market economy with
minimal state control. 55
Elections and Political Factions
Elections in Iran are candidate-centered, and individuals are self-nominated.
Factional politics, however, play an important role in the electoral contest as
candidates are often closely affiliated with one of the ruling factions. For the
Majlis elections, the factions usually form coalitions to improve their chances
of election to the legislature. In 1980 during the 1st Majlis elections, Islamic
factions consisting of the radical left and conservative right were united.
An Islamic coalition consisting of organizations such as the Association of
Combatant Clergy (ACC), the Islamic Revolution Mujahedeen Organization,
and the Islamic Republic Party were able to win the majority of seats with
the election of 130 members. In contrast, the secular and liberal opposition
parties such as the National Front and the Freedom Movement – which were
not united in a coalition but who opposed the monopolization of power by the
clergy – only gained 50 seats. The political cleavage in the Islamic coalition
first appeared during the 2nd Majlis elections. Confident that the opposition
forces had been weakened, differences within the Islamic coalition led to a
split in the 1984 Majlis elections. The result was the birth of the left and right
factions, which have come to dominate Iranian politics. 56
The conservative right in the 2nd Majlis elections consisted of organizations
such as the Combatant Clergy Association, Society of Qom Seminary
Teachers, and Association of Merchants and Guilds. The left factions
consisted of the Islamic Revolution Mujahedeen Organization, the Office for
International Foundation for Electoral Systems