Pathology of the Approbatory Supervision System over Elections in Iran with Emphasis on the Indicators and Principles Enshrined in the General Election Policies

Abstract

Electoral supervision constitutes one of the most fundamental pillars for realizing healthy, free, and fair elections. Using a descriptive–analytical method and drawing on the General Election Policies (promulgated by the Supreme Leader in 2016), the present study examines the criteria, principles, and mechanisms governing the Guardian Council’s approbatory supervision. The principal findings of the study are as follows: (a) the identification of five key supervisory criteria, including transparency and appropriate timing, the presence of candidates at all stages of the process, written accountability in cases of election annulment and candidate disqualification, and effective confront with violations; (b) the extraction of eight governing principles of supervision, namely impartiality, transparency, professionalism, accountability, accuracy and precision, independence, comprehensiveness, and service orientation; and (c) an analysis of the fundamental principles articulated in the General Election Policies, including ensuring the integrity and freedom of elections, maximizing public participation, safeguarding the rights of candidates and voters, and full observance of impartiality. The results indicate that, despite the general alignment of the existing legal framework with the General Election Policies, there are serious shortcomings in areas such as the timing of candidate qualification reviews, transparency of campaign finance sources, written accountability regarding the reasons for candidate disqualification and election annulment, effective enforcement mechanisms against violations, and transparency in the composition of executive electoral boards. The study concludes by proposing legislative and executive recommendations aimed at addressing these gaps and enhancing the effectiveness of the approbatory supervision system.