An overview of the functioning of the majlis (parliament) of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Direct, countrywide elections are regularly held in Iran for various branches of government. Among the most important of these branches is the Majlis (national parliament), despite its lack of full independence and subordination to the Guardian Council, appointed by the Supreme Leader: without this council’s approval, the Majlis is not permitted to pass legislation. Cyclical elections do ensure that the makeup of the Majlis reflects to a certain degree the will of the electorate, although candidates are filtered by the Guardian Council. Currently, the Majlis is dominated by conservatives.