The make-up of Iran’s parliament has gradually shifted since 1980. Political participation is up. More than 12,000 Iranians registered to run in the 2016 election. Women, in particular, signed up in large numbers—a total of 1,434. Both set a new record. Meanwhile, the proportion of clerics in Parliament has steadily decreased from some 61 percent in 1980 to six percent in 2016. For the first time, females outnumber clerics. These changes, along with the rejection of hardliners in the 2016 election, could shape the future of the revolution.
- Women in Parliament: From 4 women in parliament 1980 to a high of 17 women in the incoming 2016 parliament.
- Clerics in Parliament: Down from 61 percent of Parliament in 1980 to 6 percent in 2016.
- Candidate Registration: Up from a low of 1,592 registered to run for Parliament in 1984 to 12,123 registered in 2016.
Katayoun Kishi is a research assistant at the U.S. Institute of Peace.