My non-expert understanding is that the Supreme Leader is supreme, but usually somewhat aloof. The president does direct policy, within an acceptable range. Iranian elections are real, but tightly controlled, not free or fair. All candidates for president and parliament must indeed be approved, but it's the Guardian Council - half appoin…
My non-expert understanding is that the Supreme Leader is supreme, but usually somewhat aloof. The president does direct policy, within an acceptable range. Iranian elections are real, but tightly controlled, not free or fair. All candidates for president and parliament must indeed be approved, but it's the Guardian Council - half appointed by the SL - mainly doing the vetting, and then later also signing off on their laws.
It is officially frowned upon, but Iranian voters can register dissatisfaction with the choices by turning in blank ballots, and the tally of these is reported. In the 2021 election that elevated Raisi, "Invalid blank" actually placed second, for the first time.
The Supreme Leader *can* step in and order a reversal in any part of the process at any time, or the dismissal of any official, but he usually doesn't have to be so direct.
My non-expert understanding is that the Supreme Leader is supreme, but usually somewhat aloof. The president does direct policy, within an acceptable range. Iranian elections are real, but tightly controlled, not free or fair. All candidates for president and parliament must indeed be approved, but it's the Guardian Council - half appointed by the SL - mainly doing the vetting, and then later also signing off on their laws.
It is officially frowned upon, but Iranian voters can register dissatisfaction with the choices by turning in blank ballots, and the tally of these is reported. In the 2021 election that elevated Raisi, "Invalid blank" actually placed second, for the first time.
The Supreme Leader *can* step in and order a reversal in any part of the process at any time, or the dismissal of any official, but he usually doesn't have to be so direct.