8.2 The establishment of the Islamic Republic and its political system

Iran's unique political system, based on the concept of Velayat-e Faqih, gives Islamic jurists significant power over governance. This system, established after the 1979 revolution, combines religious authority with state institutions, creating a complex power structure.

The Supreme Leader, appointed by clerics, holds ultimate authority in Iran. While the country has elected officials like the president and parliament members, their power is limited by religious oversight bodies like the Guardian Council.

The Concept of Velayat-e Faqih and Its Role

Concept of Velayat-e Faqih

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• Shi'a Islamic concept advocating rule of a qualified Islamic jurist (faqih) over an Islamic state
• Faqih responsible for interpreting and applying Islamic law (Sharia) in governance
• Developed and promoted by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of the Iranian Revolution
  • Argued in absence of 12th Imam (messianic figure in Shi'a Islam), qualified Islamic jurist should lead government
• Enshrined in Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran after 1979 revolution
  • Supreme Leader, a high-ranking Islamic jurist, holds highest political and religious authority
• Supreme Leader responsible for setting overall state policies, ensuring alignment with Islamic principles
  • Appoints key officials (head of judiciary, commanders of armed forces)
• Velayat-e Faqih system gives clergy significant influence over political decision-making in Iran

The Structure and Functions of the Main Political Institutions

Structure of Iranian political institutions

• Supreme Leader (Rahbar): highest-ranking political and religious authority
  • Appointed by Assembly of Experts, body of elected Islamic jurists
  • Sets general state policies, supervises executive, legislative, and judicial branches, serves as commander-in-chief of armed forces
• President: head of executive branch, second-highest-ranking official
  • Elected directly by people for four-year term, maximum of two consecutive terms
  • Implements Constitution, manages domestic and foreign affairs
  • Appoints and supervises Cabinet, approved by Parliament
• Parliament (Majlis): legislative branch
  • 290 members elected directly by people for four-year terms
  • Drafts legislation, ratifies international treaties, approves annual budget
  • Bills reviewed by Guardian Council for compatibility with Islamic law and Constitution
• Guardian Council: 12-member body
  • Six Islamic jurists appointed by Supreme Leader, six legal experts nominated by head of judiciary, approved by Parliament
  • Interprets Constitution, supervises elections, vets candidates for public office

Clergy-state relationship in Iran

• 1979 Iranian Revolution established Islamic government, clergy plays significant role
• Velayat-e Faqih ensures clergy, particularly Supreme Leader, has ultimate authority
  • Close relationship between religious establishment and state apparatus
• Many high-ranking government officials are clergy members (Supreme Leader, head of judiciary, some Parliament members)
  • Allows religious establishment to directly influence policy-making and decision-making
• Clergy exercises control over educational system, media, cultural institutions
  • Promotes Islamic values, maintains clergy's influence over society
• Instances of tension between clergy and state when government policies or actions perceived to deviate from Islamic principles
  • Clergy may use influence to pressure government to change course

Impact on civil liberties and democracy

• Islamic Republic's political system, based on Velayat-e Faqih, criticized for impact on civil liberties, human rights, democratic processes
• Guardian Council's power to vet candidates seen as limitation on democratic participation
  • Candidates deemed insufficiently loyal to Islamic system or Supreme Leader can be disqualified, narrowing range of political views represented
• Freedom of expression, press, assembly restricted
  • Government censors media, arrests journalists, activists, dissidents who criticize regime or advocate reforms
• Women's rights limited under Islamic Republic's interpretation of Islamic law
  • Discrimination in marriage, divorce, inheritance, dress code
• Religious minorities, particularly those not recognized by Constitution (Baha'is), face persecution and discrimination
  • Barred from certain government jobs, face restrictions on practicing faith
• Judiciary not considered fully independent, Supreme Leader appoints head of judiciary
  • Concerns about fairness of trials, use of legal system to target political opponents
• Despite limitations, Iran holds regular elections for President, Parliament, local councils
  • Allows some level of public participation in political process
  • Ultimate power remains with Supreme Leader and clergy, limiting extent of democratic reforms within current system