The race for reaching a complex nuclear deal with the West is still the biggest determining factor in Iranian politics. In recent weeks President Rouhani has come under pressure over the talks, with members of parliament pushing for laws that would block the interim deal completely.
As Shahir Shahid-Saless, an Iranian political analyst said: “Any compromise on the nuclear issue will be attacked by hardliners.”
But about a month ago, talking to hundreds of Iranian economists and business leaders at a conference, President Rouhani said that he might start putting important issues to referendums. The president underlined that under the constitution, Iranians are entitled to have important economic, political, social and cultural issues put to a referendum instead of having the parliament decide. “On a crucial matter that affects all of us and our livelihoods, let's ask people's opinion directly, just for once,” he said, without specifically stressing the subject of the proposed vote.
Since the revolution, Iran has held three referendums - the first in March 1979 approved the creation of the Islamic Republic; the second in December 1979 ratified the country's new constitution; and the third in 1989 amended the constitution following Ayatollah Khomeini's death. Since then, several politicians, including Mr Rouhani himself, have called for referendums to be held on various issues, in line with the constitution, but with no success.
Allegedly, in 2004, while heading the Supreme National Security Council and leading Iran's negotiations with Western powers, Mr Rouhani suggested putting the nuclear programme to public vote. But that idea was not made public at the time.
As some quickly pointed it out, even proposals for referendums had to be approved by two-thirds of the parliament which is dominated by conservatives.
Referenda aren’t the only expression of direct democracy which can’t be exercised by the people. As the constitution states: “Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.” Peaceful, non-political demonstrations are increasingly broken up by paramilitary groups, such as the Basij militia, and met with brutal violence. Peaceful demonstrators are often questioned or even detained for their participation in those marches, without being charged. A good example for those regular events is the peaceful protest outside of Parliament in Tehran on 22 October 2014 which condemned violence and a series of acid attacks against women in October. At least four journalists were arrested in connection with their coverage of the acid attacks. That was the protest in which Mahdieh Golrou, the student and women’s rights activist took part for which she has been detained.
Until demonstrations and public gatherings can’t be held freely without any special terms and conditions, and the public can’t express their opinion in crucial questions by the means of unforged and fair elections or referenda, the way to an incipient democracy is far too long.
As Shahir Shahid-Saless, an Iranian political analyst said: “Any compromise on the nuclear issue will be attacked by hardliners.”
But about a month ago, talking to hundreds of Iranian economists and business leaders at a conference, President Rouhani said that he might start putting important issues to referendums. The president underlined that under the constitution, Iranians are entitled to have important economic, political, social and cultural issues put to a referendum instead of having the parliament decide. “On a crucial matter that affects all of us and our livelihoods, let's ask people's opinion directly, just for once,” he said, without specifically stressing the subject of the proposed vote.
Since the revolution, Iran has held three referendums - the first in March 1979 approved the creation of the Islamic Republic; the second in December 1979 ratified the country's new constitution; and the third in 1989 amended the constitution following Ayatollah Khomeini's death. Since then, several politicians, including Mr Rouhani himself, have called for referendums to be held on various issues, in line with the constitution, but with no success.
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As some quickly pointed it out, even proposals for referendums had to be approved by two-thirds of the parliament which is dominated by conservatives.
Referenda aren’t the only expression of direct democracy which can’t be exercised by the people. As the constitution states: “Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.” Peaceful, non-political demonstrations are increasingly broken up by paramilitary groups, such as the Basij militia, and met with brutal violence. Peaceful demonstrators are often questioned or even detained for their participation in those marches, without being charged. A good example for those regular events is the peaceful protest outside of Parliament in Tehran on 22 October 2014 which condemned violence and a series of acid attacks against women in October. At least four journalists were arrested in connection with their coverage of the acid attacks. That was the protest in which Mahdieh Golrou, the student and women’s rights activist took part for which she has been detained.
Until demonstrations and public gatherings can’t be held freely without any special terms and conditions, and the public can’t express their opinion in crucial questions by the means of unforged and fair elections or referenda, the way to an incipient democracy is far too long.