Context & Objective: The Islamic Republic of Iran's legislator has established specific criteria for determining the eligibility of candidates running for the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis). Among these criteria, the "criminal history records" of candidates play a pivotal role in the registration process and the assessment of their qualifications. Despite the existence of regulations regarding criminal history records, significant ambiguity remains in both their definition and the extent of their impact on the electoral process. This ambiguity has led to inconsistent interpretations among the relevant authorities and bodies responsible for determining candidate eligibility. The primary objective of this study is to explore and clarify the influence of criminal history records on the registration process for Majlis candidates and to examine the legal implications of such records in the electoral framework. The research aims to answer the question of how criminal history records impact the registration process and the determination of eligibility for candidacy in Iranian parliamentary elections.
Method & Approach: This study adopts a doctrinal approach, focusing on an in-depth analysis of the relevant laws and regulations related to criminal history records and their influence on the registration of candidates for the Majlis. The authors conduct a detailed review of the legal framework, including criminal and electoral laws in Iran, and provide a new classification of the impact of criminal history records on the electoral process.
Findings: The study reveals that the redefinition of criminal history records within Iranian criminal and electoral laws plays a critical role in shaping the registration process for candidates. It finds that criminal history records, depending on their nature, can temporarily or permanently disqualify an individual from running for the Majlis during the registration phase. This finding highlights the significant impact of criminal history on candidates' ability to stand for election and the need for clearer legal definitions regarding criminal history records in the context of Iranian elections.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of redefining criminal history records in Iranian law to ensure greater clarity and consistency in the registration process for Majlis candidates. By providing a more precise legal framework, the study advocates for the establishment of a clear and transparent system for assessing the impact of criminal history on candidacy. The findings underline the need for further legal reforms to address the ambiguity surrounding criminal history records and their effect on the electoral process, contributing to a more just and equitable electoral system.