Islamic Consultative Assembly

Islamic Consultative Assembly
Name	Islamic Consultative Assembly
Native name	مجلس شورای اسلامی
Transcription name	Majles-e Showrā-ye Eslāmī
Legislature	Parliament of Iran
House type	Unicameral
Body	Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Jurisdiction	Iran
Foundation	28 May 1980
Preceded by	National Consultative Assembly
Leader1 type	Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
Leader1	Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Election1	28 May 2020
Leader2 type	First Deputy Speaker
Leader2	Abdolreza Mesri
Election2	29 May 2020
Leader3 type	Second Deputy Speaker
Leader3	Ali Nikzad
Election3	29 May 2020
Members	290
Political groups1	• Principlists (221), • Reformists (16), • Independents (40), • Religious minorities (5), • Vacant (8)
Voting system1	Two-round system
Last election1	21 February and 11 September 2020
Next election1	1 March 2024
Meeting place	Baharestan, Tehran
Website	majlis.ir

Islamic Consultative Assembly. The Islamic Consultative Assembly, known as the Majlis, is the national legislative body of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is a unicameral parliament consisting of 290 representatives elected from constituencies across the country, including reserved seats for recognized religious minorities. Operating within the framework of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Assembly holds the power to enact laws, approve the national budget, and conduct oversight of the executive branch.

History

The institution traces its origins to the Constitutional Revolution of the early 20th century, which established the National Consultative Assembly. Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the new Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran formally reconstituted the parliament under its current name. Key historical sessions include the tumultuous first term during the Iran–Iraq War, which saw major debates over war policy and governance. The fifth term was marked by significant reformist influence and clashes with the Guardian Council, while the eighth and subsequent assemblies have been dominated by Principlists.

Structure and composition

The Assembly is composed of 290 members elected to four-year terms from geographical and religious minority constituencies. Its internal leadership is headed by the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, assisted by first and second deputy speakers and a presiding board. Work is conducted through permanent specialized committees such as those for Article 90 complaints, national security, and planning and budget. The parliament convenes in its historic building in the Baharestan district of Tehran.

Powers and functions

The Assembly's primary constitutional authority is the drafting and passage of legislation, which then requires approval by the Guardian Council. It holds the exclusive power to approve the national budget, international treaties, and loans. The body exercises oversight through interpellation of ministers and the President of Iran, and can vote on their confidence. It also plays a role in appointing key non-elected officials, such as members of the Assembly of Experts and the Supreme Audit Court of Iran.

Elections and political parties

Elections are held every four years using a Two-round system in single-member and multi-member districts. All candidates must be vetted and approved by the Guardian Council. The political landscape within the parliament has historically been divided between the Principlists and the Reformists, though many members run as Independents. Major electoral events include the 2000 election that brought a reformist majority and the 2020 election which was marked by low turnout and a decisive Principlist victory.

Relationship with other institutions

The Assembly operates within a complex system of checks and balances defined by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its legislation is subject to veto by the Guardian Council on grounds of compatibility with Sharia and the constitution. The Supreme Leader exerts significant influence over major policy directions. The parliament interacts with the presidency and the judiciary, and its decisions can be reviewed by the Expediency Discernment Council in cases of legislative deadlock with the Guardian Council.

Notable legislation and sessions

Notable laws passed include the first and subsequent five-year development plans, the Law on Protection of the Family, and the bill for accession to the Convention against Torture. The sixth parliament ratified the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Historic sessions include the 1980 confidence vote for Prime Minister Mohammad-Ali Rajai and the 1988 debate accepting United Nations Security Council Resolution 598.

Category:National legislatures Category:Government of Iran Category:Unicameral legislatures