A Comparative Study of Mayor Election Procedures in Iran and Seven European Countries

The performance and duties of the mayor may vary widely based on the different conditions. The procedure of electing mayor is a crucial factor in the performance of mayor. In general, there are two main procedures for electing a mayor: direct election of mayor and indirect election. In Iran mayor is appointed indirectly by the city council. This model has caused different problems in city management in Iran.A comprehensive analysis of the procedure of electing mayor in Iran, comparing it to this procedure in other countries could be useful to make a decision about what could be the most appropriate procedure in Iran. In this research, the performance of the mayor in different countries has been compared, by doing a comprehensive study of countries, including their governmental system, partisan system (in macro level), and the statutory position of mayor (in micro level).

This research is a fundamental one, which includes a descriptive method by using qualitative comparative method in analyzing the countries. Interpretive method was used to analyze the interview data.

The power of networking of the mayor is one of the factors that improve the efficiency of urban management. According to studies, direct election of the mayor makes the mayors have better interaction with government levels, therefore, the direct election of the mayor can play an important role in improving the networking and efficiency of mayors. In Iran, the mechanisms for monitoring and balancing between the council and the mayor are not clearly defined, therefore, because directly elected mayor gives mayors more power, the clarity of the laws to supervise the mayor by the council is important and sensitive.

According to the findings of this study it could be said that direct election of the mayor can increase the efficiency, responsibility, coordinating and power of the mayor. Moreover, if along with that other changes would happen, such as competence and duty of the local government, procedure of discharging and appointing of mayor and his/her cabinet, clarity of rules about checking and controlling of mayor by the council, elimination of unstable incomes from the budget of municipality, and elimination of distinct structure of managing city, could proliferate the performance of the urban management system and mayor.