The Islamic Consultative Assembly is the legislative body of the Islamic Republic of Iran, composed of representatives elected by the people. Its primary function is to enact laws, approve the national budget, and oversee the executive branch in accordance with the Constitution.
Plain language: The Islamic Consultative Assembly is Iran's parliament, where elected officials make laws, approve the government budget, and watch over the executive branch.
All laws passed by the Assembly must be reviewed by the Guardian Council to ensure their compatibility with the Constitution and Islamic principles. A law only becomes effective after it receives approval from the Guardian Council and is signed by the President.
Plain language: Before any law passed by the Assembly takes effect, the Guardian Council must check it to ensure it follows the Constitution and Islamic rules, after which the President signs it.
Members of the Assembly have the right to submit bills and propose amendments to existing legislation. They may also question ministers and other government officials regarding the implementation of laws and administrative policies.
Plain language: Assembly members can introduce new laws, suggest changes to current ones, and ask government officials questions about how they are enforcing laws and policies.
The Assembly is empowered to ratify international treaties, agreements, and conventions that the government enters into with other states. Such ratification requires a majority vote of the total number of members present in the session.
Plain language: The Assembly must vote to approve any international treaties or agreements that the government makes with other countries for them to be valid.
Sessions of the Islamic Consultative Assembly are public, except in cases where the Assembly decides otherwise for reasons of national security or public interest. Proceedings must be recorded and published in the Official Gazette to ensure transparency.
Plain language: Assembly meetings are open to the public unless national security concerns dictate otherwise, and all proceedings are recorded and published for transparency.