“There will not be the slightest disruption in the administration of the country,” assured the Iranian government this Monday morning, after the announcement of the death of President Ebrahim Raïssi in a helicopter accident. However, a period of political uncertainty is beginning in Iran. A presidential election must be held within 50 days.
Article 131 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic provides that, “in the event of death, dismissal, resignation, absence or illness of more than two months of the President”, it is “the first vice president who will assume the powers of the president. In this case Mohammad Mokhber, 68 years old. The latter was appointed by Ebrahim Raïssi as first vice-president in August 2021, after the presidential election.
This process must have “the approval of the Supreme Guide”, specifies the article, while Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the highest authority in the country and its head of state.
A new president within 50 days
The Constitution provides that a Council “composed of the President of Parliament, the head of justice and the first vice-president is required to organize the election of a new president within a maximum period of 50 days”.
Mohammad Mokhber, born in Dezfoul in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, has held several official positions. He was also a business manager and has chaired the Foundation of the Order of the Imam (Setad) since 2007. This foundation was established in the late 1980s to manage properties confiscated following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Over the years, it has become a major state economic conglomerate with shares in various sectors, including including health.
Since the 1979 revolution, the president has been appointed for four years, renewable once consecutively. Assisted by several vice-presidents, he is responsible for appointing and directing the Council of Ministers because the post of Prime Minister does not exist in Iran.