Iran has implemented a new law that prohibits Iranian politicians with dual citizenship from running for parliament, News About Nigeria reports.
This law also extends to individuals who hold permanent residency in another country, preventing them from serving as lawmakers.
The legislation, passed by Iranian legislators on Sunday and reported by the state news agency IRNA, aims to address potential conflicts of interest.
The decision to enact this law comes after the recent execution of Alireza Akbari, a British-Iranian and former prominent politician.
This event garnered international outrage and sparked a heated discussion among Iranian politicians regarding Akbari’s loyalty due to his British citizenship.
In response to such concerns, the government sought to establish regulations to ensure that only candidates with exclusive Iranian citizenship could run for the presidency, passing a similar bill in 2020.
Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, millions of Iranians have chosen to reside in foreign countries.
Following the revolution, a significant portion of the population emigrated to Europe, the United States, or Canada.
Over the subsequent decades, many individuals relocated abroad for various reasons, including employment opportunities, educational pursuits, or to escape political persecution.
The motivation behind the new law is to eliminate potential conflicts of interest that could arise from individuals holding dual citizenship or permanent residency in another nation.
By disqualifying politicians with dual citizenship, the Iranian government aims to ensure that those elected to parliament possess undivided loyalty to the nation and are not influenced by external factors or agendas.
Critics argue that this law restricts the participation of highly qualified and experienced individuals who may have dual citizenship or permanent residency abroad.
They contend that diversity in representation is essential for a vibrant and inclusive democracy.
However, proponents of the law maintain that it is necessary to safeguard national interests and prevent undue foreign influence in Iranian politics.
Furthermore, the law reflects a broader trend in countries worldwide, where concerns about dual loyalty and potential conflicts of interest have led to similar restrictions on political participation.
Many nations perceive the exclusive allegiance of politicians as crucial for the effective governance and decision-making processes of a country.
