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The Assembly Of Experts: Iran's Clerical Body And Succession Power

Aditya Considine

The Assembly of Experts, known in Persian as Majles-e Khobregan, stands as a profoundly significant, yet often enigmatic, deliberative body within Iran's intricate political framework. It is constitutionally mandated with the crucial responsibility of overseeing the Supreme Leader, officially referred to as the Rahbar, or Leader, of the Islamic Republic. This unique institution plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's spiritual and political trajectory, particularly concerning the ultimate authority in the country.

Understanding the Assembly of Experts is key to comprehending the delicate balance of power in Iran, a nation where elected officials operate alongside powerful theocratic and military figures. From its revolutionary origins to its current role in potential succession, this body embodies the complex interplay of religious authority and political governance that defines the Islamic Republic.

Table of Contents

Unveiling the Assembly of Experts: A Core Pillar of Iran's Governance

The story of the Assembly of Experts begins in the tumultuous aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Initially, this body was formed with a specific, foundational task: to draft a new constitution for the newly established Islamic Republic. This original iteration, known as the 1979 Assembly of Experts for the Drafting of the Constitution, laid the groundwork for Iran's unique system of governance, blending democratic elements with a powerful clerical oversight.

Following the completion of its constitutional drafting duties, the Assembly was temporarily dissolved. However, its significance was too profound to be permanently set aside. It was reestablished in 1983, albeit with a refined and singular purpose that cemented its long-term importance in Iran's political landscape. From that point onward, the Assembly of Experts was tasked exclusively with selecting the country's Supreme Leader and, crucially, ensuring that he remains fit for office. This dual mandate of selection and supervision places the Assembly at the very heart of Iran's theocratic governance, distinguishing it from typical legislative or executive bodies found in other nations. It serves as a unique oversight mechanism, ensuring the continuity and ideological purity of the leadership in a system where the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority.

The Mandate and Structure: What Does the Assembly Do?

At its core, the Assembly of Experts is constitutionally empowered to select and—nominally—supervise Iran’s Supreme Leader. This responsibility is paramount, as the Supreme Leader is the ultimate decision-maker on all major state policies, including foreign policy, defense, and strategic national direction. The Assembly's role is not merely ceremonial; it is theoretically the body that can, if necessary, remove the Supreme Leader if he becomes incapacitated or deviates from the principles of the revolution.

The Assembly itself is an elected body, comprising 88 Islamic jurists. These members are chosen by the Iranian people through direct elections held every eight years. This electoral process, while subject to the oversight of other powerful bodies, provides a veneer of popular legitimacy to the selection of the nation's highest spiritual and political authority. Once elected, the Assembly organizes itself with a leadership board and six specialized subcommittees. These subcommittees likely delve into various aspects of their mandate, from legal and theological reviews to administrative functions, ensuring the body can effectively carry out its duties.

In summary, the Assembly of Experts is:

  • A deliberative body overseeing the Supreme Leader.
  • Composed of 88 elected Islamic jurists.
  • Elected by the Iranian people every eight years.
  • Constitutionally empowered to select and supervise the Supreme Leader.
  • Structured with a leadership board and six subcommittees.

A Historical Look at Assembly of Experts Elections

The electoral history of the Assembly of Experts provides a chronological insight into the evolution of this crucial institution. Since its reestablishment in 1983, the Iranian people have regularly participated in the election of its members, reaffirming the body's elected nature within the broader political system. Data on these elections, including lists of their members, is publicly available, offering a transparent view into its composition over the decades.

Key elections for the Assembly of Experts include:

  • 1979 Assembly of Experts for the Drafting of the Constitution Election: The foundational election that led to the drafting of Iran's post-revolution constitution.
  • 1982 Assembly of Experts Election: The first election for the reestablished Assembly, focused on its new mandate of Supreme Leader selection and oversight.
  • 1990 Assembly of Experts Election
  • 1998 Assembly of Experts Election
  • 2006 Assembly of Experts Election
  • 2016 Assembly of Experts Election

Each of these elections has contributed to the shaping of the Assembly's composition, reflecting shifts in political currents and the ongoing interplay between the populace and the clerical establishment. The lists of chairmen, from the establishment of the Assembly in 1983 to the present day, also offer a continuous record of its leadership, often dominated by prominent conservative figures.

The 2024 Assembly of Experts Elections: A Shifting Landscape

The most recent electoral cycle for the Assembly of Experts took place on March 1, 2024, marking the elections for its sixth term. These countrywide Assembly of Experts elections were held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls, a common practice designed to maximize voter turnout and streamline the electoral process. Approximately 61 million Iranian people were eligible to vote in these crucial elections, including 3.5 million new voters, highlighting the demographic shifts and the ongoing engagement of the populace in the nation's political life.

However, the 2024 elections were notable for what many observers described as "engineered elections," reflecting a significant shift in the Assembly's composition. This shift went beyond the mere disqualification of certain candidates, a practice that has long been a feature of Iranian elections. The process of candidate vetting, which is rigorously applied, often results in a narrow field of contenders, primarily those deemed loyal to the current political and religious establishment. This stringent vetting process has increasingly shaped the ideological makeup of the Assembly, ensuring that its members largely align with conservative principles and the existing power structure.

The Guardian Council's Pivotal Role

A key institution in this electoral process is the Guardian Council. This powerful body plays a multifaceted role in Iran's political system. It screens election candidates, ensuring that only those deemed qualified and ideologically suitable are allowed to run. Furthermore, the Guardian Council supervises polls, overseeing the entire voting process to maintain its integrity. Beyond elections, it holds the authority to veto or amend laws passed by Iran’s parliament (Majlis), acting as a crucial check on legislative power and ensuring adherence to Islamic law and the constitution. The Guardian Council's pervasive influence means that the ultimate composition of bodies like the Assembly of Experts is heavily influenced by its decisions on candidate eligibility, thus shaping the future direction of the nation's leadership.

The Supreme Leader's Influence and the Assembly's Evolving Authority

While the Assembly of Experts is constitutionally empowered to select and supervise the Supreme Leader, the practical dynamics of power in Iran reveal a more complex relationship. The current leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has exerted significant influence over the selection of his potential successor, even as the Assembly theoretically holds this power. This influence is often subtle, stemming from his authority to appoint key figures to powerful institutions like the Guardian Council, which in turn vets candidates for the Assembly itself.

Over time, there has been an observable trend where the Assembly of Experts has seen a decline in its perceived authority and independence. What was once envisioned as a robust oversight body capable of holding the Supreme Leader accountable has, in practice, become a body that largely aligns with the Supreme Leader's directives and preferences. This shift can be attributed to various factors, including the long tenure of Ayatollah Khamenei, the consolidation of power within the conservative establishment, and the aforementioned rigorous vetting processes that ensure a compliant membership.

Practicality Versus Constitutional Mandate

The constitutional mandate of the Assembly is clear: it is charged with selecting the Supreme Leader in case the current leader dies or becomes incapacitated. However, the exact practical role the Assembly would play in such a critical transition remains a subject of speculation. Given the current leader's profound influence and the Assembly's diminished independence, it is not clear how large a role the Assembly would, in practice, have in a genuine succession scenario that might involve dissenting views or a truly open contest. Many believe that the groundwork for succession is often laid well in advance by the Supreme Leader and his inner circle, with the Assembly's role potentially becoming one of ratification rather than independent deliberation. This dynamic underscores the intricate nature of power within Iran's unique political system.

Key Figures and Conservative Continuity in the Assembly's Leadership

The leadership of the Assembly of Experts consistently reflects the conservative leaning that dominates Iran's clerical establishment. The recent elections on March 1, 2024, have solidified this trend, with prominent traditionalists assuming key roles, ensuring continuity in the institution's direction and its alignment with the broader conservative agenda.

Mohammad Movahedi Kermani: The New Head

At 93 years old, Mohammad Movahedi Kermani has been elected the head of Iran's Assembly of Experts. His election marks a clear continuation of traditional conservative leadership within this pivotal institution. Movahedi Kermani is a long-standing figure in the Iranian political and religious establishment, known for his unwavering loyalty to the principles of the Islamic Revolution and the Supreme Leader. His leadership signals a commitment to maintaining the existing ideological framework and ensures that the Assembly's decisions, particularly regarding future succession, will likely align with the preferences of the conservative establishment.

Bushehri: First Deputy Chairman and Religious Influence

Another significant figure in the Assembly's leadership is Bushehri, who serves as the first deputy chairman. Bushehri is a senior Iranian cleric with deep roots in the country's religious and educational institutions. He leads the Qom Seminary Society, one of the most influential institutions in Iran’s religious education. This position gives him considerable sway within the clerical hierarchy and among future generations of religious scholars. Furthermore, Bushehri regularly serves as a Friday prayer imam in Qom, a highly visible and influential position directly appointed by Ayatollah Khamenei himself. This direct appointment underscores his close ties to the Supreme Leader and his role as a trusted voice within the establishment. The presence of figures like Movahedi Kermani and Bushehri at the helm of the Assembly of Experts reinforces its role as a bastion of conservative thought and a key instrument in maintaining the current power structure.

The Critical Role in Succession: A Look Ahead

Despite the complexities surrounding its practical influence, the constitutional mandate of the Assembly of Experts remains undeniably critical: it is the body charged with selecting the Supreme Leader in case the current leader dies or becomes incapacitated. This responsibility positions the Assembly at the very nexus of Iran's future, as the selection of a new Supreme Leader will inevitably shape the nation's domestic and foreign policies for decades to come.

The process of succession is inherently sensitive and shrouded in a degree of secrecy, even within Iran's political circles. While the Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make this momentous decision, the extent of its independent agency versus its role in ratifying a pre-determined choice is a subject of ongoing debate among analysts. The advanced age of the current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, means that the issue of succession is a constant undercurrent in Iranian politics. The Assembly of Experts, therefore, carries the immense weight of this potential future responsibility, making its composition and leadership profoundly important. Its decisions, or lack thereof, during a succession crisis could either usher in a period of stability or introduce significant uncertainty into the nation's governance. The geopolitical context, including external pressures and regional dynamics, could further complicate such a transition, making the Assembly's role even more pivotal in maintaining internal cohesion and projecting strength.

Iran's political system is famously complicated, a unique blend of elected leaders, powerful theocratic institutions, and influential military power players. This intricate tapestry defies easy categorization, operating on a delicate balance where various centers of power exert influence and control. The Assembly of Experts is not merely one piece of this puzzle; it is a fundamental pillar, especially given its oversight of the Supreme Leader, who stands at the apex of this multi-layered system.

The interplay between these elements—the popular vote for the Assembly, the Guardian Council's screening powers, the Supreme Leader's ultimate authority, and the influence of military figures—creates a dynamic and often opaque political environment. Understanding the Assembly of Experts, its historical evolution, its constitutional role, and the practical limitations it faces, is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the nuances of Iranian governance. It is a testament to the revolution's enduring legacy, a body designed to safeguard the theocratic principles upon which the Islamic Republic was founded, while simultaneously engaging with a system that incorporates elements of popular participation. Its continued existence and functions underscore the unique nature of Iran's political identity on the global stage.

Conclusion

The Assembly of Experts stands as a cornerstone of Iran's unique political structure, embodying the delicate balance between popular sovereignty and clerical authority. From its inception in the wake of the 1979 revolution to its reestablishment with the singular purpose of selecting and overseeing the Supreme Leader, this body has played an indispensable role in shaping the Islamic Republic. Its composition, determined by elections held every eight years, reflects the ongoing interplay between the Iranian populace and the powerful conservative establishment, heavily influenced by the Guardian Council's rigorous vetting processes.

While constitutionally empowered to select and supervise the nation's ultimate authority, the Assembly's practical independence has seen a notable decline under the long tenure of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Nevertheless, its critical mandate concerning the succession of the Supreme Leader ensures its enduring relevance and potential for significant impact on Iran's future trajectory. With veteran conservatives like Mohammad Movahedi Kermani and Bushehri at its helm, the Assembly of Experts is poised to maintain a traditionalist course, particularly as discussions around future leadership continue. Understanding this powerful, yet often opaque, institution is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Iran's governance and its evolving role in the world.

What are your thoughts on the Assembly of Experts' role in Iran's political future? Share your insights in the comments below, and consider exploring more articles on our site to deepen your understanding of global political systems.

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