With only one month left until local council elections in Iran's cities and villages, the dissolution of the Tehran City Council (TCC) raises questions about the true cause or causes of differences among its members such as: Why was the council dissolved? Why couldn't the council manage to continue functioning for a few more months? Does the root of the problem lie in the council election law itself? Or, last but not least, had the council become too involved in political affairs? Following is the full text of a TEHRAN TIMES interview with Majlis Deputy Mohsen Torkashvand, who is also a member of the City and Village Councils Central Election Board, in which he discusses the issue.

Q: Do you think that the differences of views and the inefficiencies of the city council are rooted in council regulations or does the problem lie somewhere else? A: According to Article 100 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, institutions named city and village councils should be established in the country. The institutions are tasked with playing a supervisory, consultative, and coordinating role in different areas of city and village life in order to facilitate the implementation of developmental, welfare, health, educational, recreational, and other projects that are not related to government. But, the regulations were not fully enforced and the Councils Act was ignored for many years. There are some ambiguities and vague points in this regard which create many problems and discrepancies.

Of course, legislators have tried to find ways to get some power from the government and hand it over to the people. The people in turn give their authority to their representatives on the councils. It then becomes clear that why such an elected, popular institution should not be linked to any appointed institution.

Q: The Majlis has reviewed the Councils Election Act. How optimistic are you about the councils' future performance and their chances for success? A: The current councils are operating under the former regulations, but the Majlis National Security Commission reviewed the relevant regulations with the aim of improving problematic areas. The council member numbers were increased for example, but still you can't call it a perfect law, because the flaws of the regulations always become clear during implementation. Besides, over the course of time exigencies always change, and every now and then regulations need reviewing and updating.

Q: How would you evaluate the councils' performance? A: Out of 1,000 councils in the country, less than 100 of them have had problems, of which only two were dissolved. Generally speaking, the councils have been successful. The newly established social institution should be given time to pass through its natural course. During this course problems become evident. But, as I said earlier, the plan has been successful and should be strengthened.

Q: You mentioned that politicization of the council hindered its activities and caused problems. Do you think that political parties should not meddle in council affairs? A: We shouldn't mix things up. Political parties strive in different arenas to gain access to power in order to serve the people. This is very natural. Thus, it is necessary for political parties to put forward experts with experience in urban development. In my opinion, this leads to increased public participation, and hence strengthens councils and promotes their success.

Q: It seems that voter turnout is low in council elections. What is the reason? A: It is somewhat natural because we have only experienced one term of councils in the country.

It was during this one term that problems became evident. The problems and obstacles inherent in council regulations imposed themselves on the members. Budget deficits were another major obstacle. This disappointed some people. Added to all this was the recent dissolution of the Tehran City Council.

I believe that if Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) gave sound coverage of the issue, people would participate more enthusiastically.

Q: What institution is currently in charge of the Tehran City Council? A: As long as the city council exists, the Municipality is in charge but, if the council is dissolved, regardless of the cause or causes, according to the law the interior minister takes over.