A Comparative Analysis of the Right to Political Participation: From Islamic Jurisprudential Teachings to the Standards of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Keywords:
Right to political participation, Islamic jurisprudence, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 25 of the Covenant, inherent rights, dual legitimacyAbstract
Political participation and citizens’ right to influence their political destiny constitute some of the most fundamental issues in public law, political philosophy, and contemporary democratic systems. This right has been conceptualized within legal systems and international instruments on the basis of differing foundations, scopes, and limitations. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach and seeking to provide a comprehensive understanding, the present study comparatively examines citizens’ right to political participation within the teachings of Imami Shiʿa Islamic jurisprudence, the positive law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), with particular emphasis on Article 25. The comparative findings indicated that, despite fundamental differences in the sources of legitimacy, epistemological foundations, and ultimate objectives, all three frameworks converge on recognizing the role and status of the people in the administration of public affairs, the necessity of the periodic transfer of political power through elections, the rejection of authoritarianism, and the need for oversight of those exercising governmental authority. Nevertheless, with respect to their legal and theoretical dimensions, the ICCPR conceptualizes political participation as an individual and universal right grounded in inherent human dignity and derived from the principle of popular sovereignty. By contrast, Islamic jurisprudence and Iranian constitutional law, drawing on the doctrine of divine sovereignty and a dual foundation of legitimacy, conceptualize participation as a conditional right accompanied by religious, ethical, and civic obligations. Within this framework, the continuity and effectiveness of Islamic governance are closely linked to public acceptance, participation, and support, while the exercise of political participation is regulated within the parameters of preserving the political system, considerations of public interest, and the principles and requirements of Islamic Sharia.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zahra Fedaye Del (Author); Taybeh Arefnia (Corresponding author); jebraiel omidi (Author)
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