Who vets elections and legislation for compatibility with the constitution and Sharia?

• A. The Majles
• B. The President
• C. The Expediency Discernment Council
• D. The Guardian Council

Answer: (D)

In Iran, a body exists whose job is to make sure that both laws and elections comply with the constitution and Sharia. This council reviews all legislation passed by the parliament to ensure it aligns with the Islamic legal framework and the country’s constitution, and it also vets electoral candidates and oversees elections to certify who can run and who is eligible to win. Its membership—six clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader and six jurists elected by the Majlis from judiciary nominees—gives it both religious and legal legitimacy to enforce these standards. When conflicts arise between Parliament and the council, the Expediency Discernment Council can help resolve them, but the direct responsibility for vetting legislation and elections lies with the Guardian Council.