نشریه پاسخ
پیاپی 32 (زمستان 1402)

Elections represent the embodiment of democracy in any society that its legitimacy is directly linked to the level of public participation. The increase or decrease in public engagement in such a society signifies the fortification or weakening of the underpinnings of democracy. This issue holds substantial significance in the Islamic system of Iran, where the stability and puissance of the system hinge upon attention to this matter. Consequently, the adversaries of the system aim to diminish public participation in order to undermine the legitimate foundations of the Islamic system. This article, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and conducting a library-based study, delves into the necessity of public participation in elections. It meticulously examines the impediments that lead to diminished participation and suggests strategies to surmount these obstacles. The proposed strategies encompass elevating awareness and fostering insight, comprehending the effectiveness of people’s involvement in elections, the imperative for the government to address public demands, emphasizing social justice and its active implementation across various strata of governance and society, fostering a constructive competitive environment in elections, presenting comprehensive programs and objectives by candidates, steering clear of deviant personal and factional conflicts, refraining from presenting a negative portrayal of the country’s conditions, instilling a sense of responsibility among the people for their national and religious duties, and encouraging participation in elections through the elites of the society.

Political participation, as the effective intervention of people in political affairs, is one of the fundamental pillars of democratic systems. In Imam Khomeini’s Elevated Political Thought, no political-social structure has been accepted without the consent and will of the people. This research employs a documentary and library-based method and a content analysis and description approach. The objective is to find an answer to the question of how Imam Khomeini portrayed political participation and on what foundations he established it. The findings indicate that Imam Khomeini, by putting forth a monotheism-centric interpretation of existence, human, and society, and linking the world and the hereafter, considers the political-social system as a platform for the growth of human virtues and graces. He defines politics as the management of affairs and the education and guidance of people towards achieving worldly and otherworldly interests. The research leads to the conclusion that political participation is a duty and obligation that individuals are bound to fulfill. Every individual is obliged and responsible, to the extent of their ability, to establish the interests and benefits of society through their participation as a form of comprehensive worship. Participation, in any form necessary, should be carried out in the same manner.

Electoral competition is an inseparable part of elections. The principle of systematic and regulated electoral competition, to ensure its health and constructive role and prevent its negative consequences, is accepted by all rational individuals and political systems. What distinguishes it is the intellectual and value foundations governing political systems and their dominant culture. This article, using a descriptive-analytical method and library-based research, argues that in the Islamic political system, the political activities and competition of parties and political groups should take place within the framework of the Islamic value system. This framework considers electoral competitions Based on adherence to the law, ethics-centeredness, rationality, value-centeredness shape the prerequisites for healthy electoral competitions. Conversely, behaviors such as instigating conflicts and crises, engaging in factionalism, undermining opponents, hurling insults and accusations, blurring lines with enemies, prioritizing party and faction interests over national concerns, fostering opposition and denial of others instead of healthy competition, and making unrealistic and unlawful promises are viewed as the drawbacks of electoral competitions.

Elections constitute one of the most significant events of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and represent the dignity and puissance of the Islamic Iran. The Islamic Republic system of Iran possesses two defining characteristics: “God-centricity” and “democracy.” From the outset, the Islamic system articulated its objectives based on divine criteria and values, acknowledging its identity and manifestation through the presence of the people and reliance on the public opinions. As the Islamic Republic of Iran is a religious and popular system, its stability and puissance, after prioritizing the preservation of Islamic values, are contingent upon the widespread presence and participation of the people in political arenas, such as elections. According to the findings of this research, achieving maximum participation requires attention from all sectors of the system, including officials, election candidates, and the general public, to fulfill the responsibilities defined within the Islamic system for conducting vibrant, healthy, competitive, and lawful elections within the framework of fair competition. This study investigates the duties and responsibilities assigned to these three groups to achieve maximum and competitive participation in the elections of the Islamic system, employing a descriptive-analytical method using a scientific process.

Election is a peaceful method for legislating and selecting leaders, and one of the features of democratic governments. Islam, through religious texts, including Qur'anic verses and the narrations of the Imams (as), has outlined its own ethical principles for elections. This research employs an academic approach, utilizing a descriptive-analytical method for the examination of Qur'anic and narrative texts. It aims to theoretically analyze the features and criteria introduced by the Holy Qur'an and the narrations of the Infallible (as) in the context of elections. Additionally, it explores the distinctive attributes of Islamic political ethics concerning elections within the framework of a religious democracy, drawing comparisons with modern democracies. The main finding of this research is the theoretical analysis of Islamic electoral ethics through the analysis of Qur'anic and narrational texts and in line with the political ethics of elections. This analysis not only clarify the theoretical benefits of Islamic elevated ethics but also serve as a guide for Islamic governments in their political development programs. Defining Islamic political ethics and its distinctions from modern political ethics are among the other findings of this research.