Velayat-e faqih becomes central to debate

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

Clerical networks organized effectively while several left and minority organizations boycotted or faced disadvantages.

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.

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

The emerging constitution addressed public ownership, protection of the oppressed and rejection of foreign domination.

The prominent anti-Shah cleric, former political prisoner and advocate of popular councils died unexpectedly.

Large crowds honored a leader respected across religious, nationalist and left currents of the revolution.

Taleghani had emphasized shura, social justice and dialogue among competing political tendencies.