The following is a guest post by Dr. Sanaz Alasti who is currently a Scholar in Residence at the Law Library of Congress. Dr. Alasti is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Lamar University and an Iranian legal scholar.
On June 14, 2013, the Islamic Republic of Iran will hold its eleventh presidential election. Under the Iranian Constitution the President is the second highest ranking official in Iran after the Supreme Leader and carries out the functions of the Chief Executive. In Iran, the Supreme Leader has the highest political and religious authority. He authorizes domestic and foreign policy, serves as head of the military, has broad appointment powers, and has the sole power to declare war.
This year’s presidential ballot in Iran was originally to carry the names of eight candidates, but two candidates withdrew