The Deputy Chairman of Tehran City Council says direct election of the mayor by the people worsens the situation
Mehdi Sarvari, the Deputy Chairman of Tehran City Council, regarding the recent discussions by the Ministry of Interior about the direct election of mayors by the people and criticism of the current process, said this criticism is appropriate but the solution is inappropriate. We, in a council-based society, need to consider that instability in a city causes the greatest harm to public service delivery.
He continued, ‘However, I believe that the direct election of the mayor worsens the situation. On the other hand, this issue would almost render the country’s councils, which are the most important institutions of democracy in the country, ineffective. This is while a chapter in the Constitution is dedicated to councils, meaning the Islamic Republic system believes that people should have a serious presence in decision-making arenas.’