Political Strategic Studies

A Pathological Analysis of the Governance of Islamic City and Village Council Elections in Iran and Strategies for Reform

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mahdi Naderi 1
asma shahsavandi 2

1 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, facility of Law and Political Science, Shiraz University, Iran (Corresponding Author)

2 PhD student in Political Studies of the Islamic Revolution, Major in Political Sociology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, University of Shiraz, Iran

10.22054/qpss.2026.92029.3759
Abstract
Islamic City and Village Councils constitute an important component of local governance in the Islamic Republic of Iran and play a significant role in promoting democratic participation and local decision-making. Given the importance of electoral governance in ensuring the effectiveness and legitimacy of these institutions, this study examines the major challenges and potential solutions associated with the governance of local council elections. Employing the theoretical framework of electoral governance and a mixed-methods approach (qualitative–quantitative), the research seeks to identify the key factors affecting electoral performance and integrity.



The findings indicate that the challenges facing local council elections are not attributable to a single factor; rather, they emerge from the interaction of institutional, managerial, technical, and social deficiencies. The study further demonstrates that improving electoral quality and achieving effective electoral governance require integrated and simultaneous reforms across all dimensions of the electoral process. Moreover, successful electoral governance depends on the balance and synergy among technical, financial, human, legal, supervisory, and cultural components within an interconnected system. Such an approach can enhance electoral integrity, strengthen public trust, increase political participation, and improve the effectiveness of local councils.

Keywords

Electoral Governance
Councils
Political Participation
Challenges
Iran
Subjects
Political Strategic Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 November 2026

Main Page

Editorial Board

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Contact Us