Social Challenges of Islamic Village Councils in Local Management in Iran

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Abstract

Local councils such as city and village councils with horizontal structures play a main role in advancement of development programs. Village Councils are local councils which are elected by public vote in all villages throughout Iran. Council members in each village are elected by direct public vote for a 4-year term. These councils are the newest agents in the local management of Iran. Although councils have a long past in contemporary history of Iran, considering Baladieh (Municipal) and city councils, they hadn't institutionalization and strong and effective social roots. Therefore, they couldn't have an effective role in sustainable development programs. Village councils can play a major role in rural development, but they have been less noted than city councils with an analytical approach. This documentary article studied official documents and research reports in the field of Islamic village councils in Iran. .........

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