On August 3^rd 1979, a general election was held to select experts to draft the constitution of the newly formed Islamic Republic of Iran. Hence an Assembly of Experts convened on August 19^th 1979 for a final confirmation of the constitution.

The 72 member Assembly of Experts comprising a large group of Islamologists and prominent Muslim jurisprudents, succeeded in finalizing the Constitution within a period of 3 months. After final endorsement by the Assembly of Experts, on December 3^rd 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini and the Nation ratified the Constitution.

Articles 6 & 7 of the Constitution of the new Islamic Republic of Iran stipulated that:

Article 6 - In the Islamic Republic of Iran the affairs of the state shall be managed by relying on public opinion, through the elections such as the election of the president, representatives of the Majles, members of councils and the like, or through referendum in cases set forth in other articles of this law.

Article 7 - According to the instruction of the Quran "...and whose affairs go by council amongst themselves..." and "...take council with them in the affairs..." councils such as Majles, provincial council, city, local, district, village and the like shall be the decision making and administrative organs of the state. The instances, manner of establishment and the scope of functions and authorities of the said councils shall be set forth by this law and the laws arising there from.

Thus on March 4^th 1980 the first elections of the Islamic Consultative Assembly were held.

The Majles was as it is today supposed to compose of 'representatives of the people' from across the country, elected through direct and secret ballots.

The legislative power is of course supposed to be a reflection of the people's will. On the basis of Article 76 of the Constitution the Majles has the right to investigate and examine all the affairs of the country. Vested with such an authority, each deputy is responsible before the people, as defined in Article 84. And since freedom is a prerequisite to such a responsibility, each deputy is 'by law' (in theory) free to express his / her views and enjoys immunity from prosecution or arrest.

Article 71 of the Constitution provides the Majles with the power to enact laws on all matters, within the limits of its competence as laid down by the Constitution. It should pave the ground for development in a society based on precise Islamic principles and replace regulations hampering the progress of society with Islamic laws and orders.

Articles 77 and 82 of the Constitution state that international treaties, protocols, contracts and agreements must be approved by the Majles and that the employment of foreign experts is forbidden, except in cases of necessity and with the approval of the Majles.

Based on the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Majles is the main institution conducting the Islamic Ummah towards independence, growth and freedom. The Majles is entitled to obstruct 'infiltration of imperialism' by approving or disapproving all political, economic and cultural relations with foreign countries. The Majles has also the right to pronounce a vote of confidence for an individual minister.

Majles Deputies have two major duties to carry out:

• To attend the open sessions of the Majles to express their views and make a final survey of the bills and motions and ultimately pass or reject them
• To participate in the Majles internal Committees.

According to the Constitution the responsibilities of Majles Deputies can be outlined as follows:

• Vote of Confidence in ministers
• Supervision over government performance
• Interpellation or dismissal of ministers or the President
• Approval of annual budget and supervision over its spending
• Endorsement and approval of treaties, protocols, contracts and international agreements
• Permission to employ foreign experts
• Permission to take or give loans to foreign and domestic aid grants
• Enactment of executive laws
• Right to express views and investigate into all domestic and foreign-related affairs of the country
• To act as the highest authority to examine people's complaints
• To determine the procedure of prosecutions and the structure of the country's judicial system
• Ratification of judicial laws
• To specify the qualifications and conditions requisite of selected to occupy the position of a judge

To conduct the Majles-related affairs the Majles deputies elect a speaker, two vice-speakers, six secretaries and three administrative managers from among candidate deputies for a period of one year.

4.1 Majles Speaker

The Majles is the chief of the presidium and of all Majles offices. He is the chief representative of the Majles in all contacts and meetings with other foreign and domestic delegations and is responsible for execution of the Articles of the Constitution and the Majles Rules of procedure.

4.2 Secretaries' Duties

Duties of the secretaries may be outlined as follows

• Selecting some verses of the Holy Quran to be read at the beginning of the session.
• Preparation of the agenda for the session and listing of bills.
•  Reading the agenda, motions and bills
• Setting the timetables, for Deputies to make pre-agenda speeches, etc.
• Giving notice to the Deputies in the session.
• Receiving the notices given by Deputies and submitting them to the officials.
• Recording absence, and delays of Deputies.
• Reading out the votes of the Deputies.
• Filing the papers related to the Majles.
• The above tasks have been distributed among the secretaries by the Presidium.

4.3 Vice-Speakers

In the absence of the Majles Speaker, the first Vice-Speaker and in his absence the second Vice-Speaker will administer the session.

4.4 Administrative Managers

Each of the three administrative managers are responsible for supervision and proper implementation of each the following:

• Financial and administrative affairs (including accounting, and staff department)

• Communications and cultural affairs (including public relations, telex, telephone operators, libraries and printing houses).

• General, affairs and services (including disciplinary forces, provisions, maintenance of building and technical plants).

5.1 Open Sessions of Majles

The Standing Order of the Majles requires that all deputies shall be present at the Majles open sessions 15 minutes prior to their commencement on dates which shall have been determined earlier and notified to them. Any deputy failing to appear on time, or is late, without any plausible excuse, shall be taken to task by a reprimand of the Majles Presidency. Any deputy failing to be present at the time of voting on a motion may also be subject to a reprimand irrespective of whether the voting is open (by a show of hands), or by secret ballot. Open Sessions of the Majles are so named according to Article 69 of the Constitution because the sittings are free to be broadcast over the national radio and televisions. People as well as foreign and domestic reporters can attend the Majles open sessions. According to the Rules of Procedure, Article 177, reporters from the press, radio, and T.V. as well as visitors holding entry access cards specially issued for the day's sitting are permitted to the parliament building to attend the place earmarked for them. Public Relations Department of the Majles will make every necessary coordination in this regard, and accommodate about 300 such persons on the days when there is an open session. Public Relations Department has also provided certain facilities for the deputies to ease their personal contacts with people, here in the capital, in addition to their presence in the constituencies where they were elected.

Majles deputies have been provided with certain bureau to facilitate visit of their electors. People can, visit their deputies according to the time schedule announced through media.

According to Article 69 of the Constitution, Majles sitings should be held openly and a full report of each sitting is released for public through the radio and the official gazette. Thus, the radio has a live broadcast of the Majles, deliberations. In addition to daily papers, the gazette also publishes the proceedings in details for public.

The Majles open session works in the following order.

5.1.1 Announcement by the Majles Speaker that the Majles is in session.

Any single sitting during an Open Session of the Majles commences only when there is a quorum of 180 Deputies, after which the Majles Speaker by ringing the bell declares the session open. The Majles Secretary thereupon reads out the agenda. A moment's silence follows and then only the sonorous cadences of the Holy Quran being recited can be heard throughout the Assembly (If possible verses relevant to the day’s agenda will be recited).

5.1.2  Pre-agenda Speeches

Article 84 of the Constitution provides that every representative is responsible to the entire nation and has the right to express his/her views on all internal and external affairs of the country. A Standing Order of the Majles stipulates that every deputy who wishes to express himself/her- self on any subject that needs to be brought before the Majles and the nation may do so. Each deputy is assigned 10 minutes for his speech but he or she may share such speaking time allotted with other Deputies giving up a minimum of 3 minutes, or his/her entire time to another deputy. In all, however, Deputies using up time allotted to them shall speak only for a maximum of 30 minutes during pre-agenda time.

Speeches delivered by Deputies before the agenda of Majles namely pre-agenda speeches are intended to be individual and personal expressions of views and opinions which they are free to hold and air in the Assembly and for which they are not liable to prosecution. However, the immunity conferred on Majles Deputies goes along with the recommendation that they should at all times be mindful of the rules pertaining to the order and conduct to be observed in the Assembly and their obligation to maintain the prestige of the Majles at all times.

If it so happens that a deputy does not conduct himself/herself according to the rules set forth by the Majles and indulges in improper conduct then the Majles Speaker may do one of the two things or both as follows:

• Administer a verbal reprimand directed at the offending deputy.

• Give a warning to the deputy concerned.

• Summon him/her to the Presidium of the Majles to provide an explanation of his/her conduct.

It is not permissible for Deputies to interrupt speeches being made by other Deputies, to create disturbances of any kind or cause disorder in the Majles, to level personal accusations against Deputies or make protestations of an unbecoming nature. The Majles Speaker in such an event will reprimand the offending deputy according to the provisions of the Majles Rules of Procedure.

In every session before taking up the agenda, the In Speaker may give a brief address to the Deputies concerning the very important issues of the day.

5.1.3 Majles Agenda

The agenda of the Majles is usually prepared to survey the bills and motions, or study questions and where necessary interpolate the cabinet or minister. The Weekly agenda of the Majles should be prepared by Majles Presidium with due regard to the bills and motions sent by various committees in sequential order and the Majles Presidium will thereafter publish and distribute it among the Majles Deputies and officially announce it on the Notice Board of the Majles.

The agenda of the Majles is usually prepared to survey the bills and motions, or study questions and where necessary interpolate the cabinet or minister. The Weekly agenda of the Majles should be prepared by Majles Presidium with due regard to the bills and motions sent by various committees in sequential order and the Majles Presidium will thereafter publish and distribute it among the Majles Deputies and officially announce it on the Notice Board of the Majles.

Motions and bills which are deemed to have priority by the government may be taken up by 15 Deputies who will such bills for urgent consideration by placing them on a weekly Agenda, with the approval, of the Presidium, irrespective, of the sequential order in which they are recorded.

• Deliberations on motions and bills

The Majles can enact laws on all matters, within the limits of its competence as laid down by Article 71 of the Constitution. According to Article 74 of the Constitution, government bills are presented to the Majles after receiving the approval of the Council of Ministers. Members' bills may be introduced in the Majles if sponsored by at least fifteen members.

According to Article 102 the Supreme Council of Provinces has the right within its jurisdiction, to draft bills and to submit them to the Majles, either directly or through the government. Based on Article 94 of the Constitution all legislation passed by the Majles must be sent to the Guardians Council. The Guardians Council must review it within a maximum of ten days from its receipt with a view to ensuring its compatibility with the criteria of Islam and the Constitution. If the Guardians Council deems such laws to be in accordance with Islamic principles and the Constitution, they are thereupon submitted as an official document to the President who will then be responsible for their execution.

The President is required to place his signature against all such laws that have been submitted to him and order the officials to take up their execution within a period of not less than five days. The bills and motions can be ordinary or with one, two or three degree priorities.

• Questions to Officials

Article 70 of the Constitution reads as follows: “The President and ministers have the right of participation in open sessions of the Majles individually or collectively and their assistants can accompany them. In case the Deputies request it, ministers must be present in the Majles and whenever they desire, their speeches would get a hearing. If 15 Deputies so request it and such a request is approved by an absolute majority of the Deputies present, the President may be called upon to and will be obliged to appear in the Majles.

According to Article 88 of the Constitution, whenever at least one-fourth of the total number of members of the Majles put a question to the President, or any single member of the Assembly puts a question to a minister, on a subject relating to their duties, the President or the minister is obliged to present himself at the assembly and answer the question. This answer must not be delayed more than one month in case of the minister, except with an excuse deemed reasonable by the Majles.

5.1.4 Closure of the Session

According to the Majles Rules of Procedure every daily Open Session shall take at most 4 hours which may be either held constantly or intermittently. In emergency cases as deemed necessary by the Speaker and after approval of the Majles and when the budget bill is submitted, Open Session should be held uninterruptedly on all days excluding Fridays and official holidays at least four hours per day. Timing of the Open Session should be arranged in a way that should not conflict with prayer times.

On this basis and after the agenda is read (as much as possible) the names of absentees as well as a program of the committees and necessary notifications is announced and the closure of the session declared.

The Speaker, prior to conclusion of every session, announces the day and hour when the next session and agenda is in force.

5.2 Closed Session / Sessions in Camera

5.3 Majles Committees

According to Article 85 of the Constitution, the Majles may authorize its ad hoc committees to pass certain bills in necessary cases, on a provisional basis and shall be subsequently, approved by the Guardian Council. Like all other laws, these should be in conformity with the religion of Islam and accord with the principles set forth in the Constitution.

Such laws may be put into effect provisionally for a period specified by the Majles, and their final approval rests with the Majles

The provision made to pass law by submission to specially created committees from within the Majles has been considered necessary where the normal process of introducing the bill or motion in the Open Sessions of the Majles may not be possible quickly because of the time required to make detailed inquiries and work out the details relating to such laws to be presented as fully fledged bills in the Majles. It is believed that the smaller groups of members in so far as their experience is concerned will be able to do the work more expeditiously and thoroughly and have the laws formulated in far quicker time than they would because of the procedural delays in the Open Sessions of the Majles.

5.3.1 Standing Committees

Standing Committees are formed with due regard to the organizational structures of the country. It may happen sometimes that some identical committees are consolidated with the approval of the Majles in order to accelerate execution of the duties assigned to them. Standing Committees listed below may be increased, when necessary, with the approval of the Majles.

Each deputy should accept membership of at least one of the following Standing Committees. Article 42 of the Rules of Procedure of the Majles states that the total number of Standing Committees are as follow:

1. Education Committee
2. Committee on Islamic Culture and Guidance and Mass Communication
3. Committee on Economics and Financial Affairs
4.  Plan & Budget Committee
5.  Oil Committee
6.  Industries and Mines Committee
7. Administrative and Employment Committee
8. Housing and Transport Committee
9. Judicial Committee
10. Defense Committee
11. Foreign Relations Committee
12. Committee on Internal Affairs and Councils
13. Health Committee
14. Energy and Telecommunication Committee
15. Commerce Committee
16. Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
17. Committee on Culture and Higher Education
18. Committee on Article 90 of the Constitution
19. Accounts Tribunal Committee
20. Committee on the Affairs of Revolutionary Organs
21. Question Committee
22. Inquiry Committee
23. Committee on Preparation of Majles Rules of Procedure
24. Special Committee on Investigation of Pre-Revolution and Post-Revolution Laws
25. Committee on Labour and Social Affairs.

5.3.2 Provisional Committees

As regards bills and motions whose basic relations with the committees are not specified clearly and display various ambiguous or doubtful aspects, the Majles Presidium can set up a Special Supervisory Committee whose members are selected from related committees, referring the bills and matters to that committee, which will report its outcome to the Majles after deliberation.

If there arises a need to deal with exceptional and important questions necessitating a Special Committee to deliberate them, a committee shall be formed with the suggestion of at least 15 Deputies and endorsement of the Majles. Members of the Special Committee range from 5 to 11and are elected directly in the, Open Session by the Deputies through secret balloting and a relative majority.

To conduct the Majles-related affairs the Majles Deputies elect a speaker, two vice-speakers, six secretaries and three administrative managers from among candidate Deputies for a period of one year.