WASHINGTON—Soon after the Feb. 26 Iranian elections, a plethora of commentaries immediately followed that attempted to interpret the results. The victory of reformers and moderates was stunning, but what difference will it make in bringing about reforms, including democracy and human rights in Iran? The reformers and moderates may have more influence in Iran’s parliament, or Majlis, but the supreme leader, security, judiciary, intelligence services, and the military remain in the hands of the hard-liners.
In addition to electing members of parliament, voters elected the 88 members of the Council of Experts (also known as Assembly of Experts) that appoints the supreme leader. The current supreme leader, 76-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is in ill health. If he were to die or become incapacitated, the newly elected moderates could have considerable influence on choosing his successor.
Iran is a country with a unique form of government. Established by the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the government is headed by an unelected supreme leader, chosen by the assembly, although experts say that more likely, the assembly rubber-stamps a backroom deal. So, at the highest levels, Iran is an oligarchy. However, the country has democratic institutions too. Iran’s Majlis can reflect the popular will.
