Capacities for Confronting Political Corruption in the Constitutional Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran: In Light of the Components of Religious Democracy

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Farabi Faculty, University of Tehran

2 Faculty member of the Law Department, Farabi Faculty, University of Tehran

10.22084/rjir.2025.30916.3916

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify and present the capacities for addressing political corruption in light of the main components of religious democracy, from the perspective of the constitutional law of the Islamic Republic of Iran.



Methodology: The research is fundamental in nature and employs a descriptive-analytical approach grounded in the theory of functionalism. Data were gathered through a library-based method, including the analysis of constitutional provisions and sources on constitutional law and political corruption, using note-taking and interpretive techniques.



Findings: The findings indicate that political corruption—defined as the abuse of legal authority to consolidate political power—is one of the main drivers of inefficiency, undermining both the legitimacy and public trust in the political system, and threatening citizens' rights. Confronting such corruption is a rational, religious, and historical imperative. The Constitution, as the primary guarantor of citizens’ rights and the last bastion for the protection of their freedoms, offers various mechanisms to address this issue. These include the religious framework of the political system, human equality and dignity, political freedom and participation, and the rule of law—collectively forming the core components of religious democracy.



Conclusion: The constitutional law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in light of the key elements of religious democracy, possesses significant institutional mechanisms to combat political corruption as a central factor in political inefficiency.

Keywords

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Volume 15, Issue 56 - Serial Number 56
November 2025
Pages 117-140

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