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.”