Rouhani suggests direct public vote to end political gridlock

During a speech marking the 39th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for a direct vote to end moments of political gridlock within the country, a controversial move that is certain to anger the country’s hard-liners.

Citing a mostly unknown constitutional article, Rouhani said, “If we have differences, we must refer to Article 59 of the constitution … which says, in certain cases of passing laws or legislative acts on important social, cultural, economic or political issues, we must send it to a direct vote by the people.”

Rouhani continued, “If we have differences on two issues, or the factions have differences, or they are fighting, bring the ballot box out and according to Article 59 of the constitution, whatever the people have decided, implement that. Our constitution has this capacity, and we must act within the capacity of our constitution.” Rouhani’s Twitter account also later tweeted this segment of the speech.

Rouhani, who has been opposed by the country’s hard-liners and unelected officials since first taking office in 2013, has faced stiff resistance in introducing social and economic reforms, despite his re-election in 2017. His comments about a direct vote are an indirect criticism of the Guardian Council, a 12-member body that vets candidates who run in Iran’s elections and vets laws passed by Iran’s parliament. The supreme leader selects six members of the council. The other six are elected by parliament among nominees recommended by the head of the judiciary, who himself is appointed by the supreme leader.