election FAQ

Elections in Iran: 2016 Majlis and Assembly of Experts Elections

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On February 26, Iranians will vote for the 290-member Islamic Consultative Assembly (Iran’s Parliament, also known as the Majlis) and the 88-member Assembly of Experts. The Majlis and the Assembly of Experts play a role in selecting the individuals who serve in the country’s non-elected positions with the greatest religious and political authority – the Supreme Leader of Iran and the Guardian Council. To help you understand this important electoral process, IFES provides Frequently Asked Questions on these elections.

The Majlis and the Assembly of Experts play a role in selecting the individuals who serve in the country’s non-elected positions with the greatest religious and political authority – the Supreme Leader of Iran and the Guardian Council.

The Majlis selects six of the 12 members of the Guardian Council (who are nominated by the head of the judiciary). Additionally, the Assembly of Experts, which is elected every eight years, is responsible for electing, supervising, and if necessary dismissing the Supreme Leader. Given that the Assembly of Experts is expected to serve through 2024, it may be that this Assembly will be responsible for electing the next Supreme Leader, who could be selected from within their ranks.

To help you understand this important electoral process, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Elections in Iran: 2016 Majlis and Assembly of Experts Elections. IFES FAQs include:

  • Who are citizens voting for on Election Day?
  • What type of electoral system will be used?
  • What is the legal framework for elections in Iran?
  • What is the election management body? What are its powers?