How
the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) Government works?
Lawrence of Persia (LOP)
I will try and make this as simple and clear as possible. In describing
the early IRI entities I have to refer to other IRI entities that
I have not explained yet. So please be patient. If you feel that you
are not grasping everything then make diagrams or use stones,
coins, etc. to demonstrate what is being said. If something still
does not make sense then post a message on the IPC message board and
ask!
·
Assembly of Experts (AE)
This is a group of 86 clerics. Only clerics may sit on the AE. AE
members are elected by the Iranian people. A cleric may only run
for AE if he has been approved by the Guardian Council.
AE appoints
the Rahbar and has the authority to dismiss the Rahbar. Only AE
or a special committee appointed by Rahbar has authority to amend
the constitution.
·
Rahbar or Velayat-e Faqih (VF)
Supreme Leader. VF appoints 6 clerics to Guardian Council. VF appoints
head of Judiciary and director of Radio and Television Organization.
VF appoints top commanders of all armed and security forces. VF
is Commander in Chief of all armed and security forces. VF may dismiss
President or dissolve Majlis.
VF decides overall
policies of Iran and may declare war and peace. Only VF may order
a referendum. VF may create laws and veto Majlis legislation by
decree (fatwa).
·
Guardian Council (GC)
12 members. 6 clerics appointed by VF. 6 jurists elected by the
Majlis.
No Majlis legislation
can become law unless GC ratifies it. GC may veto any Majlis legislation.
No candidate
may run for President, Majlis or AE without GC approval.
·
President
Elected by the Iranian people. Only GC-approved candidates may run
for President.
President names
Cabinet ministers who Majlis must approve. President administers
Iran's budget and development plans (formerly a separate ministry)
and the Civil Service. He signs laws passed by the Majlis and treaties
ratified by the Majlis.
·
Majlis (Parliament)
Elected by the Iranian people. Only GC-approved candidates may run
for Majlis.
The function
of the Majlis is to create legislation. No Majlis legislation can
become law unless GC ratifies it.
·
Expediency Council (EC)
VF appoints 27 people to EC. If Majlis and GC become deadlocked
on a proposed bill, EC rewrites the bill to suit the clerics.
Okay, this is
the most important information about how the IRI government works.
If you clearly
understand this information then you can think and discuss intelligently
about what it would take to achieve democratic reforms by working
within the IRI system.
If you do not
clearly understand this information then you cannot think and discuss
intelligently about what it would take to achieve democratic reforms
by working within the IRI system.
If you are confused,
don't worry because the majority of the world's population are also
in your league!
Are Democratic
Reforms under the IRI Islamic Constitution a myth? Why don't you
tell us?
For more information
you can review this document:
How
political power is distributed in the IRI regime
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