Concluding Observations Human Rights Committee CCPR/C/IRN/CO/3 para 29
Full recommendation
The State party should introduce legislative amendments to ensure that articles 3 and 28,
sections 1 and 3, of the Majlis Elections Act are in conformity with the rights guaranteed in
article 25 of the Covenant. It should also take adequate steps to guarantee that elections are
conducted in a free and transparent manner, in full conformity with the Covenant, including
through the establishment of an independent electoral monitoring commission. (art 25)
Assessment using Impact Iran human rights indicators1
The Islamic Parliament Elections Law stipulates the minimum requirements for voting and
candidacy in elections.2 Voters must have Iranian nationality, be 18 years of age, and be “sane.”3
Candidates must have a ‘commitment to Islam and the sacred State of the Islamic Republic of
Iran,’ they must have Iranian nationality, must express commitment to the constitution and the
“progressive article of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists,” have at least a master’s degree or
its equivalent, “be free from ill reputation” in the election district, “physical health to the extent
of being blessed with vision, hearing and speech capabilities,” and a minimum of 30 and
maximum of 75 years of age.4 Members of religious minorities stated in the constitution are
exempted from practical commitment to Islam and must be consistent in their belief of their
religion.5
The parliamentary election law bans from candidacy: affiliates and supporters of parties,
organizations, and groups that have been considered to be illegal by competent authorities;6 those
who have been convicted of the crime of acting against the Islamic Republic of Iran;7 those
convicted of apostasy by competent judicial courts;8 those known for corruption and debauchery;
sentenced to sharia hudud (unless their repentance has been proven); drug traffickers; drug
addicts;9 those convicted of treason, fraud, embezzlement and bribery, and confiscating others’
property; and those convicted of financial abuse by competent judicial courts.10
1
CCPR.25.S.1 CCPR.25.S.2 CCPR.25.S.3
CCPR.25.P.1
CCPR.25.O.1 CCPR.25.O.2.
2
Article 28 of the election law.
3
Article 27 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
4
Article 28 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
5
Note of the article 28 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
6
Note 3 of the article 30 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
7
Note 4 of the article 30 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
8
Note 5 of the article 30 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
9
Notes 7 and 8 of the article 30 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
10
Note 11 of the article 30 of the Islamic Parliament Elections Law
1