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Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy in Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:46:11 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
e. Geographic size of district
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy in Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:46:11 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Hanna Berheim
b. Job Title: Research Assistant
c. Organisation: International IDEA
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum
Comments: C:59 "In extremely important economic, political, social, and cultural matters, the functions of the legislature may be exercised through direct recourse to popular vote through a referendum. Any request for such direct recourse to public opinion must be approved by two-thirds of the members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly." C:123 "The President is obliged to sign legislation approved by the Assembly or the result of a referendum, after the legal procedures have been completed and it has been communicated to him. After signing, he must forward it to the responsible authorities for implementation." C:177 "(1) The revision of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whenever needed by the circumstances, will be done in the following manner: The Leader issues an edict to the President after consultation with the Nation's Exigency Council stipulating the amendments or additions to be made by the Council for Revision of the Constitution which consists of: [...] (3) The decisions of the Council, after the confirmation and signatures of the Leader, shall be valid if approved by an absolute majority vote in a national referendum. (4) The provisions of Article 59 shall not apply to the referendum for the "Revision of the Constitution."
Source: The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, art. 59, 123 and 177
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:53:15 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:53:15 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Comments: C:59 "In extremely important economic, political, social, and cultural matters, the functions of the legislature may be exercised through direct recourse to popular vote through a referendum. Any request for such direct recourse to public opinion must be approved by two-thirds of the members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly." C:123 "The President is obliged to sign legislation approved by the Assembly or the result of a referendum, after the legal procedures have been completed and it has been communicated to him. After signing, he must forward it to the responsible authorities for implementation." C:177 "(1) The revision of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whenever needed by the circumstances, will be done in the following manner: The Leader issues an edict to the President after consultation with the Nation's Exigency Council stipulating the amendments or additions to be made by the Council for Revision of the Constitution which consists of: [...] (3) The decisions of the Council, after the confirmation and signatures of the Leader, shall be valid if approved by an absolute majority vote in a national referendum. (4) The provisions of Article 59 shall not apply to the referendum for the "Revision of the Constitution."
Source: The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, art. 59, 123 and 177
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:53:15 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:53:15 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:53:15 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:53:15 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:53:15 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-22 17:50:34 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Ministry of Interior
f. Website Address www.moir.ir
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:42:53 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy in Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:42:53 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy in Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:42:53 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
e. Another organ within the national government
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy in Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:43:08 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy in Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:43:08 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2006-12-01 11:24:02 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2006-12-01 11:24:02 UTC
Electoral Systems
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Source: Constitution, article 62, 63 Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999)
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:40:07 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999), article 1
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:40:07 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:40:07 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
b. Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:54:40 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
d. No registration required
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:51:48 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:51:48 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
h. Minimum level of education
j. Other
Comments: j) See below, article 28 of the Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assemby: The candidates shall hold the following particulars when they are nominated: 1. Believing and practically binding to the Islamic Republic of Iran 2. Iranian Nationality 3. Binding to the Constitutions and Absolute Religious Guardianship 4. Holding at least Associate Degree of its equivalent 5. Having no bad reputation in the elections station 6. Physical Health at the extent of being able to see, hear and speak 7. At least aged 30 and at most aged 75 Note 1: The religious minorities candidates are not obliged to believe in Islam (item 1) but their own religion.
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assemby of 1999, article 12
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:55:56 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:51:48 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
c. Indirect
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:55:38 UTC
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:55:38 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:51:48 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Votes are also counted at the polling centre.
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:52:54 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:52:54 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
i. Media
Comments: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly, article 14: "IRI Broadcasting is obliged to broadcast all the declarations and notices of elections as well as elections training programs at the discretion of the Ministry of the Interior, in addition to display the Parliament role and members' duties."
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly, article 14
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:51:17 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:51:17 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
d. At specially designated polling stations
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:48:34 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: c) Applies to presidential elections.
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:48:34 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
c. Special polling stations
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:48:34 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:48:34 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 10:48:34 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: 18 years
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:52:32 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: e) The elector should be sound of mind. Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly, article 27: "The electors shall hold the following particulars: Iranian Nationality, 17 years of age (Previously 16), Sound of mind"
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly, article 27
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:53:48 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
a. Central Government Department (specify)
Source: Ministry of Interior through Iran's Embassy to Sweden
Last updated: 2007-01-23 07:52:07 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
