جايگاه و نقش رهبري در قانون اساسي جمهوري اسلامي در مقايسه آن با قوانين اساسي دموكراسيهاي غربي

Role and Status of Leader in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Comparison with the Constitutions of the Western Democracies

The theory of Vilayat Faqih (Guardianship of Jurisprudent) and the establishment of the Islamic Republican system in Iran in the Post-Revolution era introduced a unique alternative ruling system to the Third World and Muslim countries which was compatible with the local requirements and beliefs. Given its rational, logical foundations and the popular support it received from the masses the new system challenged the liberal democracies. Now in the midst of the Western efforts for globalization of its culture and ideology and in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union the old rival of the West and dismantlement of communism, it is only the Iranian-style Islamism that has been able to provide the requirements of democracy and at the same time safeguard the beliefs of the people. The present article is an attempt to logically discuss the main criticisms charged against the role and status of the leader of Islamic Republic. Also on the basis of the four main topics about the leader in the Constitutions (that is, the qualifications, methods of election, powers and supervision of his performance), attempts have been made to make a comparative study between the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and those of some Western liberal democracies.