The Islamic Republican Party wins a dominant position

The provisional government's draft proposed republican institutions and mechanisms for reviewing legislation.

Political organizations, clerics and citizens argued over rights, sovereignty, social justice and Islamic authority.

The stronger office of the leading jurist emerged during later deliberations in the elected Assembly of Experts.

The text sought to institutionalize independence, participation and a break with the monarchical constitution.

The election chose representatives to review and rewrite the proposed constitution.

The vote established a formal arena for deciding the institutions of the Islamic Republic.

Debates focused on whether the assembly reflected the full diversity of the revolutionary coalition.

Seventy-three elected members began detailed deliberation on the constitution.

Clerical members advanced the principle that a qualified jurist should guide and supervise the republic.

Members sought different ways to combine elections, representative institutions and religious leadership.