Iran's President Dies, What Will Happen Next?

The President of Iran is not the highest office in the country. Iran's republican system is unique.

IRANIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (left) and President Ebrahim Raisi (center) during an event in Tehran, Iran, in December 2023. They were killed in a helicopter accident on Sunday (19/5/2024).

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian confirmed dead. They were victims of a helicopter accident on Sunday (19/5/2024) in eastern Azerbaijan. Questions arise about the continuity of Iran's government without its head of state.

In a statement on Monday (20/5/2024), the Iranian cabinet announced that Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian had died along with a number of other victims. In addition to them, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati and Presidential Security Forces Commander Mehdi Mousavi were also declared dead.

The day of their death was declared the same as the commemoration of Imam Reza's birthday. The Imam Reza mentioned refers to Ali Al-Rida (766-818), the eighth Shia Imam.

Also read: Iranian President and Foreign Minister Confirmed Killed in Helicopter Crash

Not long after the official announcement of Raisi's passing, the Iranian cabinet released a statement that, among other things, was broadcast by the national news agency IRNA. "The government continues to operate without any disruption," the statement reads.

Iran implements a unique republican system. Some high positions are elected directly by the people. Some are elected by representatives. Unlike in other republics, the president of Iran is only the head of government. The head of state is held by the Rahbar or supreme leader who is currently held by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

IRANIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP

Iran's Principal Vice President Mohammad Mokhber at an event in Basra, Iraq, in September 2023.

Another unique thing about the Republic of Iran is that there are 12 vice presidents. Indeed, now the seat of vice president for economic affairs is empty. Among the 12 vice presidents, there is main vice president which is currently held by Mohammad Mokhber. He chaired an emergency meeting of the Iranian government on Monday (20/5/2024).

Waiting for the Ayatollah

With Raisi's death, Iran is awaiting Khamenei's command. With Khamenei's permission, as stipulated in Article 131 of the Iranian constitution, the chief vice president will take over the duties of the head of state. On Monday afternoon, Khamenei ordered Mokhber to do so.

Also read: Iran's ingenuity is not broken by Western sanctions

If Khamenei has given his command, the interim president must prepare for the election. Preparation is done together with the parliament leader and the chief justice. The election must be held within 50 days since Khamenei's command was issued.

Thus, the Iranian presidential election is estimated to be held in July 2024. Initially, the election was scheduled for 2025 or according to the end of Raisi's term. With this sudden event, Iran joins dozens of other countries holding elections in 2024.

IRANIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at an event in Nowruz, Iran, in March 2024.

It is not yet known who will run in the Iranian elections. Currently, the majority of Iranian citizens are mourning another loss of their national figure.

Unique system

Not only the position of the president and the number of vice presidents, but also the representation system of the Republic of Iran is unique. The position of Ayatollah or the highest leader is filled based on the agreement of 88 members of the council of experts.

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The council is composed of individuals appointed by the 12 members of the Constitutional Guardians Council. All members of the guardians council are appointed by the Leader. Decisions made by the guardians council can also be overturned by the Leader.

The guardian council has the authority to veto bills passed by parliament. Unlike the expert council, members of parliament are elected through elections.

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attended the commemoration of the death of Al-Quds Brigade Commander, Qassem Soleimani, in Tehran in January 2023.

As for the military, there are two main institutions, namely Sepah aka the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and Arteshaka the army. Sepah is more powerful than Artesh. The Al-Quds Brigade which operates in a number of Middle Eastern and African countries is part of the IRGC.

The army and the IRGC both have air, sea, and land forces. The difference is that the IRGC has a space force and paramilitary units. The paramilitary unit is known as the Basij and they are often used to disperse various protests in Iran.

The IRGC also has other advantages, namely controlling the nuclear program. Another strength of the guard is controlling various businesses in Iran. Various businesses are involved in various economic sectors and become important actors. (AFP/REUTERS)