Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Each electoral district is comprised of a combination of counties, cities and rural districts, and the number of the executive committees varies in each
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies
https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Each electoral district is comprised of a combination of counties, cities and rural districts, and the number of the executive committees varies in each
The districts vary in geographic size; however, seat allocations are based on a formula, which entitles every 150,000 voters the right to elect one representative to the Majlis
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies
https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The Elections Office of the Ministry of Interior is responsible for advising on the delimitation of electoral districts boundaries. Representatives from the Boundary Delimitation Office are members of the NEC.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies
https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
h . Other
Comments: The task of appointing the Leader shall be vested with the experts elected by the people. The experts will review and consult among themselves concerning all the 'fuqaha' possessing the qualifications specified in Articles 5 and 109 (of the Constitution). In the event they find one of them better versed in Islamic regulations, the subjects of the fiqh, or in political and social issues, or possessing general popularity or special prominence for any of the qualifications mentioned in Article 109, they shall elect him as the Leader. Otherwise, in the absence of such a superiority, they shall elect and declare one of them as the Leader. The Leader thus elected by the Assembly of Experts shall assume all the powers of the 'wilayat al-amr' and all the responsibilities arising therefrom.
The law setting out the number and qualifications of the experts [mentioned in the preceding article], the mode of their election, and the code of procedure regulating the sessions during the first term must be drawn up by the fuqaha' on the first Guardian Council, passed by a majority of votes and then finally approved by the Leader of the Revolution. The power to make any subsequent change or a review of this law, or approval of all the provisions concerning the duties of the experts is vested in themselves.
Following are the essential qualifications and conditions for the Leader:
scholarship, as required for performing the functions of muftiin different fields of fiqh.
Justice and piety, as required for the leadership of the Islamic Ummah.
right political and social perspicacity, prudence, courage, administrative facilities and adequate capability for leadership.
In case of multiplicity of persons fulfilling the above qualifications and conditions, the person possessing the better jurisprudential and political perspicacity will be given preference.
Source: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, articles 107-109: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is elected for a four-year term by the direct vote of the people. His reelection for a successive term is permissible only once.
The President is elected by an absolute majority of votes polled by the voters. But if none of the candidates is able to win such a majority in the first round, voting will take place a second time on Friday of the following week. In the second round only the two candidates who received greatest number of votes in the first round will participate. If, however, some of the candidates securing greatest votes in the first round withdraw from the elections, the final choice will be between the two candidates who won greater number of votes than all the remaining candidates.
Source: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, articles 114 and 117: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is the head of government.
Source: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 113-132: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Islamic Consultative Assembly
Source: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 62-63: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly article 2: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
d . Two-Round System
Comments: The election of a member in the first stage is subject to obtaining the majority of at least one forth of total votes (one third in the previous Majles) and in the second stage as well as middle-period elections, the pro rata majority
In case of the equality of two or some members votes, the measurement for their electionis drawing lots being carried out in the common meeting of Executive Boards and Supervisory Board of Election station Center. The said candidates or their representatives are authorized to appear in the casting ceremonies.
If in the first stage of the elections, one or more candidates do no succeed to obtain the majority of
one fourth (Previously one third) of the cast votes, the elections will be held in two stages.
This means that from those candidates who did not obtain the quorum of one forth of the votes,
but the highest votes of the first stage, only two times of the required number of the Parliament
members can take part in the second stage of elections.
If the number of remained candidates are less than two times of required members, all of them
will take part in the elections of second stage.
The Islamic Consultative Assembly is constituted by the representatives of the people elected directly and by secret ballot.
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly article 8-9: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 62: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Verified: 2024/11/19
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly
Source: Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections
Comments: The elections of Islamic Consultative Assembly shall be enforced according to the regulations of this act and the government is duly obliged to hold the elections before the termination of last period so that the territory never runs without Parliament.
Presidental Electoral Law: This law demonstrates the general aspects of the presidential election. It assigns the required
conditions of the potential candidates, responsible governmental bodies, the process of
qualification, how the president is certificated and how he can officially start his presidency and
so on. This law is important to understand the mechanism and nature of presidential elections in
Iran. The law should be approved by the parliament in compliance with current constitution.
Source: Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: No mention is made of compulsory voting
Source: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Verified: 2024/11/19
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: Article 80: Those who have complaints regarding the taking place of the election can deliver their documented complaints to the supervisors of the Guardian Council or also to the secretariat of the Council within three days after election day
Article 68:
Those who have objection to election, may submit their complaints to the secretariats of the Guardian Council within at most 7 days from the date of election.
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly, article 68: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 80: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The Elections Office is a permanent structure in the Ministry of Interior. It
is located in the Bureau of Political Affairs, and is staffed with permanent
officers including, a director, two deputy directors, and 25 senior experts
in the areas of statistics, elections, legal affairs, logistics, and budgets.
The Elections Office is charged with planning and making preparations for national and local elections.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department
Comments: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) administers all election-related activities under the supervision of the Guardian Council. The Elections Office is a permanent structure in the Ministry of Interior.
The Elections Office is charged with planning and making preparations for national and local elections. This includes, among other functions, drafting and finalizing election budgets.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department e . Another organ within the national government
Comments:
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
c . For an unspecified period
Comments: For the Elections Office within the Ministry of Interior, there is no specified term. A temporary 7-member Central Supervisory Committee is established during presidential elections.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: The Ministry of the Interior is in charge of administration of elections.
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly, articlde 31: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
c . 21 - 30 members (specify)
Comments: The Elections Office is a permanent structure in the Ministry of Interior. It is located in the Bureau of Political Affairs, and is staffed with permanent officers including, a director, two deputy directors, and 25 senior experts in the areas of statistics, elections, legal affairs, logistics, and budgets.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The Elections Office is a permanent structure in the Ministry of Interior. It is located in the Bureau of Political Affairs, and is staffed with permanent officers including, a director, two deputy directors, and 25 senior experts in the areas of statistics, elections, legal affairs, logistics, and budgets.
During Presidential elections, a Central Supervisory Committee is created which is composed of two members of the Guardian council and five "reputable" Muslims.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature
Comments: Elections Office staff members are selected by the Ministry of Interior.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
i . Media
Comments: 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: Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999), Art. 14: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999), Art. 14: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source: Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999) https://track.unodc.org/LegalLibrary/LegalResources/Iran/Laws/Elections%20Act%20of%20Islamic%20Consultative%20Assembley%20(ENG)%20(1999).pdf
(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/19
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
a . 16
Comments: Voters must have the following conditions:
2- Being at least 16 years old.
Source: Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 36(2): https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Voters must have the following conditions:
1- Having the nationality of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
2- Being at least 16 years old.
3- Being sane.
Source: Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 36: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: Ministry of Interior is the body in charge of executing the Law of Presidential Elections. It is also responsible for ensuring the accuracy of elections. Therefore, it may send permanent or temporary inspectors to oversee the election process and cast of the votes in provinces, districts, and the registration and polling stations.
Source: Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 31: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the affairs of the country must be administered on the basis of public opinion expressed by the means of elections, including the election of the President, the representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the members of councils, or by means of referenda in matters specified in other articles of this Constitution.
Source: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 6: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Verified: 2024/11/19
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
d . No registration required
Comments: The formation of parties, societies, political or professional associations, as well as religious societies, whether Islamic or pertaining to one of the recognized religious minorities, is permitted provided they do not violate the principles of independence, freedom, national unity, the criteria of Islam, or the basis of the Islamic Republic. No one may be prevented from participating in the aforementioned groups, or be compelled to participate in them.
Source: Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, article 26: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
Verified: 2024/11/19
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship h . Minimum level of education j . Other
Comments: 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 26 and at most aged 75
The religious minorities candidates are not obliged to believe in Islam but their own religion.
Source: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly, article 28: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: Government grants and subsidies in order to help the parties, the government shall provide an annual budget line in the annual budget.
Allocation of funds for assistance to the parties subject to Article 16 of this law shall be in accordance with the instructions approved by the Commission of Parties and shall also supervise its proper implementation.
Source: International IDEA: Global Database on Political Finance, Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=302
Law on the Activities of Political Parties and Groups, Art. 16 (4) Note 1.
Verified: 2024/11/19
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: Government grants and subsidies in order to help the parties, the government shall provide an annual budget line in the annual budget.
Allocation of funds for assistance to the parties subject to Article 16 of this law shall be in accordance with the instructions approved by the Commission of Parties and shall also supervise its proper implementation.
Source: International IDEA: Global Database on Political Finance, Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=302
Law on the Activities of Political Parties and Groups, Art. 16 (4) Note 1.
Verified: 2024/11/19
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political parties are entitled to private funding excluding that from foreign interests, anonymous donations, and state resources.
Source: International IDEA: Global Database on Political Finance, Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=302
Verified: 2024/11/19
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Governors and deputy governors of elections stations shall conform the result of their votes counting with supervisory boards of station
Source: Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999), Art. 24: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: The executive boards of polling stations, shall accept complaints from the date of formation of executive board until 2 days after announcement of election results and present at the common meeting of the executive boards and the polling committee of supervision at most within 7 days from the date of receiving the complaints.
Those who have objection to election, may submit their complaints to the secretariats of the guardian council within at most 7 days from the date of election.
Source: Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999), Art. 68, note 1: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The law guarantees equal campaign conditions for nominees, including equal access to Iran’s state owned-media, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Broadcasting (IRIB).
Source: DUALITY BY DESIGN: The Iranian Electoral System: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Radio Free Europe Ratio Library, "Iranian Presidential Candidates Meet In Televised Debate" (2013)
http://www.rferl.org/content/iran-presidential-debate/25003083.html
IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
https://iranwire.com/en/politics/131337-pezeshkian-and-jalili-face-off-in-heated-presidential-debate/
Verified: 2024/11/19
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Political Parties Law: https://irandataportal.syr.edu/political-parties-law
Verified: 2024/11/19
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
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: Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Iran, articles 59, 123 and 177: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.pdf
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 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: Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Iran (1989), Art. 177 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.pdf
(2017)
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
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: Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Iran (1989), art. 59, 123 and 177 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.pdf
(2017)
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: IDEA: Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=309
IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: IDEA: Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=309
IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: IDEA: Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=309
IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
(2017)
Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999) https://track.unodc.org/LegalLibrary/LegalResources/Iran/Laws/Elections%20Act%20of%20Islamic%20Consultative%20Assembley%20(ENG)%20(1999).pdf
(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: IDEA: Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=309
Verified: 2024/11/19
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
d . At specially designated polling stations e . At mobile polling stations
Comments: Obtaining the confirmation of central executive board, tributary executive boards are authorized to establish movable polling stations for mountainous and arduous places or any other places where no stations may be established. Also the executive board of polling station center is authorized to establish movable station in the center whenever it is found necessary.
Polling stations shall be erected only in any village, cities and counties. In greater cities, pollingstations shall be erected in each municipal district
Source: Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999), Art. 44 & 63 https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: c) Applies to presidential elections.
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Iran: Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly (1999), Art. 66: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/19
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