Islamic Consultative Assembly Elections (March 8– April 19، 1996) A Historical-Analytical Study

Abstract

The Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) is an active and influential institution with significant weight in the Iranian political landscape. Examining the election of its fifth term, held in 1996, is an important topic that warrants careful attention due to the events surrounding the election process, particularly considering that the influence of the pragmatic reformist movement on Iranian politics was at its peak at that time, The supporters of that theory were monopolizing the presidency through its first theorist, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who held the presidency (1989-1997). His supporters wanted to extend their influence to the rest of the institutions, including the legislative institution. Their ambition was to control this power while holding onto the presidency, which means that they were able to hold onto the reins of power in more than one corner of the political process in Iran, This certainly opens new horizons for them to implement their vision on the ground, through enacting laws that assist the government in its actions, according to the theory developed by Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. In contrast, supporters of the conservative movement were preparing to maintain their control over the Islamic Consultative Assembly and prevent any other political current or faction from imposing itself on the Assembly, And to keep it under their influence, especially with the pragmatists monopolizing the presidency, which means that the executive power is not in their hands. They were eager to hold on to the legislative power and not give it up in any way. Therefore, the electoral competition for this term was extremely intense, as each political faction was doing its utmost to win a majority of seats.