Objective: Political governance in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a mechanism linking religious legitimacy and institutional efficiency, plays a fundamental role in achieving justice and political stability. However, a central question arises: what are the defining characteristics of Ebrahim Raeisi’s political governance model, and how can it be recognized as a “service-oriented governance”? This study seeks to answer what the theoretical and practical components of Raeisi’s political governance are, and how it differs from conventional governance models established since the Islamic Revolution.
Methodology: The present study employs a qualitative approach using a directed content analysis method. Data were collected from library resources, official documents, and discourse analysis of Raeisi’s speeches and actions during his tenure in both the Judiciary and the Executive branches. Data analysis was conducted based on a conceptual framework encompassing religious democracy, justice-orientation, anti-corruption, service-oriented governance, and the redefinition of the government–citizen relationship.
Findings: The results indicate that Raeisi’s political governance is based on the integration of three core components: service-oriented governance as a central guiding principle, structural justice-orientation, and adherence to Wilayat-based policymaking. This model emphasizes transparency, accountability, and public participation, aiming to reconstruct social capital and enhance public trust in the political system. Its primary distinction from previous models lies in people-centered governance processes and the coherent integration of the ideological foundations of the Islamic Revolution with the practical imperatives of an Islamic government.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that Raeisi’s political governance extends beyond mere performance reporting and represents a novel, sustainable model. This model has the capacity to enhance both legitimacy and institutional efficiency, providing a theoretical and practical foundation for restructuring justice-oriented policymaking in the Islamic Republic of Iran.