Title: Parliament Clarifies Electoral Procedures, Paving the Way for Upcoming Council Elections
In a significant legislative move, the Iranian Parliament has unanimously approved the details of an explanatory note regarding a key article of the country’s electoral law. This development brings new clarity to the voting process for the Islamic Councils, which are pivotal to local governance.
Defining the Vote Count
The primary clarification addresses Article 24 of the “Law on the Formation, Duties, and Elections of the Islamic Councils.” Legislators have definitively stated that the term “valid votes obtained” refers to all valid ballots cast for every candidate, whether they are running individually or as part of an electoral list. This precise definition standardizes the calculation base for determining each candidate’s share of the vote.
Streamlining Seat Allocation
Further provisions detail the mechanism for allocating any remaining seats after the initial distribution. The newly clarified procedure mandates that these seats be assigned one-by-one to lists or individual candidates. The allocation follows a strict order, starting with those who have the highest calculated share of the vote, ensuring a mathematically fair and transparent process.
Ensuring Comprehensive Representation
The parliamentary session also established a procedure for scenarios where the quota for independent candidates is not filled. In such cases, any unclaimed seats designated for independents will be reallocated to electoral lists, following the same merit-based hierarchy. This measure guarantees that all council seats are filled efficiently, promoting robust and complete local representation.
This legislative action is seen as a step towards reinforcing the framework of Iran’s domestic political processes, providing clear and consistent guidelines for future council elections.