The 12th legislature of the Islamic Republic of Iran, formally known as the 12th Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles), was the parliamentary term that succeeded the 11th legislature following the 2020 legislative elections. The assembly convened for its first session on 27 May 2020 and its term formally ended on 26 May 2024, in accordance with the constitutionally defined four‑year legislative cycle.
Composition and election
- Election date: 21 February 2020 (first round) with a runoff on 11 September 2020 for seats where candidates failed to achieve the required majority.
- Number of seats: 290 representatives, each elected from single‑member constituencies.
- Voter turnout: Approximately 37 % in the first round, one of the lowest turnouts in the history of the Islamic Republic’s parliamentary elections.
- Political grouping: The Assembly was dominated by candidates endorsed by the “Principlist” (conservative) coalition, particularly the “Ebrahim Raisi‑aligned” allies. Reformist and moderate candidates secured a limited number of seats, largely due to the disqualification of many opposition candidates by the Guardian Council prior to the election.
Leadership
- Speaker of the Assembly: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (Principalist), elected as Speaker on 28 May 2020.
- Deputy Speakers: Ali Motahhari (Principalist) and other deputy speakers representing the parliamentary factions.
Key activities and legislation
During its term, the 12th legislature addressed a range of domestic and foreign policy issues, including:
- Economic measures: Approval of the state budget for fiscal years 2021–2024, which emphasized subsidies, social welfare spending, and efforts to mitigate the impact of U.S. sanctions.
- Social policy: Debates and enactments concerning the legal status of certain civil liberties, family law, and regulations affecting the private sector.
- Foreign policy resolutions: Adoption of several non‑binding parliamentary resolutions expressing support for Iranian foreign policy positions, notably concerning nuclear negotiations (JCPOA) and regional alliances.
- COVID‑19 response: Legislative oversight and budget allocations related to pandemic mitigation, vaccination campaigns, and public health infrastructure.
Notable characteristics
- Low parliamentary opposition: The 12th Majles contained a markedly reduced number of reformist and moderate deputies compared with previous terms, reflecting the electoral environment and candidate vetting process.
- Digital engagement: The Assembly increased the use of digital platforms for broadcasting sessions and public communication, a practice accelerated by the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- Legislative output: According to official records, the 12th legislature passed approximately 2,000 statutes and amendments during its four‑year term.
Conclusion
The 12th legislature of the Islamic Republic of Iran functioned as the nation’s primary legislative body from May 2020 to May 2024, operating under a composition heavily weighted toward Principlist representatives and overseeing legislative activity during a period marked by economic sanctions, the COVID‑19 pandemic, and shifting regional dynamics.
