TEHRAN – Iran’s vice president for legal affairs said the country is preparing for upcoming presidential elections as the Interior Ministry and the Guardian Council work to smooth legal procedures.
Mohammad Dehghan met with the three heads of Iran's government on Saturday to shed light on the complex process of leadership transition as presidential elections loom.
Dehghan stressed the vital role played by the Ministry of Interior and the Oversight Council as the executive and supervisory bodies overseeing the electoral process, and underlined the need to adhere to the legal framework to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
Dehgan provided a detailed review of the criteria for presidential candidate registration outlined in Article 10 of the General Election Policy approved by the Guardian Council. These criteria, which cover a range of requirements including age, educational background, work experience and clean criminal records, are strictly enforced to ensure the fairness of the electoral process.
Dehghan elaborated on constitutional obligations in the current political climate, emphasizing the need for the heads of state to act swiftly to ensure the selection of a new president within the 50-day deadline mandated by Article 131 of the Constitution.
“Several councils have already been held between the heads of departments, and detailed reports have been submitted on legal deliberations and cooperation efforts between the Ministry of the Interior and the Oversight Council,” he noted.
Dehgan expressed his appreciation for the fact that the current legislation clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of executive and supervisory bodies. Underscoring the adaptability of the legal framework to respond to emergency situations, Dehgan assured that heads of each branch are ready to make informed decisions within the bounds of the law and optimize the electoral process.
Following the death of the 13th President of the country, Said Ibrahim Raisi, provisions in Article 131 of the Constitution require the rapid holding of presidential elections within a 50-day period. A Council made up of representatives of the judiciary, legislature, and first vice president is tasked with overseeing the transition. Following the Council's deliberations and subsequent approval by the Guardian Council, plans are in motion for the early holding of nationwide presidential elections, scheduled for June 28, 2024.
President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and six others were killed when their helicopter crashed in fog in a mountainous area near the northwestern border with Azerbaijan on May 19. The charred remains of the aircraft were discovered the following day.
Following the president's death, Vice President Mohamed Mokbel was appointed to take over in the interim.
Iran's cabinet also appointed Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani as acting foreign minister.
