Islamic City and Village councils, or urban departments, are councils that are elected separately in cities and villages by direct vote of people. These councils elect mayors and village heads to preside over the cities and villages.
The general duties of the councils are described in the seventh chapter of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the elaborate duties and limits of authority of the councils are stated in detail in the laws ratified by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Iran’s parliament).
History of Islamic City Council of Qom
The first round of Islamic city and village councils’ elections was held on February 26, 1999. This was the first official election of the councils under the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was held within the framework of the political development program and the expansion of civil institutions and public participation.
First Term
The first round of Islamic city and village councils’ elections begins on April 29, 1999 across the country.
In Qom, 7 council’s members elected by the people for the course of four years.
Second Term
The second round of Islamic city and village councils starts on February 28, 2003. At this period, the people of Qom elected 9 members for the city’s Islamic Council.
Third Term
The third round of elections for the Islamic city and village councils was held three months earlier in December 2006 and coincidently with the elections of the Assembly of Experts.
During this period, the Iranian parliament, also known as Majlis, approved that the elections of Assembly of experts be held simultaneously with the elections of Majlis, and the elections of the councils along with the presidential elections.
Then, the term of the Islamic councils of cities and villages increased from 4 years to 7 years, and the third council of Qom lasted 7 years.
Fourth Term
The fourth round of elections for the Islamic city and village councils was held on June 14, 2013. This term began one month after the beginning of the 11th presidential term.
In this period, the people of Qom elected 21 members for the city’s council.
Fifth Term
The fifth round of elections of Islamic councils was held on May 19, 2017.
This round was held totally electronically. According to the Iranian parliament’s resolution, the number of members of Qom’s council decreased (based on population). The people of Qom elected 13 members to join the council.
Six Term
The fifth round of elections of Islamic councils was held on June 18, 2021.
This round was held totally electronically. The people of Qom elected 13 members to join the council.
Currently, the Islamic Council of Qom is in its fifth term.
to see current members if Qom city Council, click here.