{"id":280,"date":"2013-11-06T16:45:03","date_gmt":"2013-11-06T21:45:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/?page_id=280"},"modified":"2013-12-09T16:47:56","modified_gmt":"2013-12-09T21:47:56","slug":"islamic-government","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/mw-350\/islamic-government\/","title":{"rendered":"Islam and Government"},"content":{"rendered":"

Islam and Government<\/p>\n

by\u00a0Magdelena Ho Yan Tang,\u00a0Thomas LeClere,\u00a0Daniel Karr
\nDec 9, 2013<\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For people who are not from the Islamic Culture, it is difficult to understand how religion and politics relate. In this section, we have selected three countries from Central Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia as examples of how Islamic Culture is incorporated in their political systems: Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia. The right to vote is a common characteristic of these countries. After researching their political systems, the Islamic government structure is different from our knowledge of a democratic country in Egypt and Iran. \u00a0However, government in the Islamic country of Indonesia continues its transition into democracy.<\/p>\n

IRAN<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0EGYPT<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0INDONESIA<\/a><\/p>\n

IRAN<\/h2>\n

Governmental Structure<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for Iran’s government structure chart.<\/p>\n

By looking at the Elected Institutions, the structure is very much like the western democratic model. However, the Elected Institutions only include the Executive Branch. The Judiciary and Legislative Branch are headed by leaders from the Unelected Institutions. The following chart are some details about unique government bodies in Iran; the Supreme Leader, Guardian Council and Assembly of Experts.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nRoles<\/strong><\/td>\nStructure<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supreme Leader<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ali Khamenei,\u00a0Supreme Leader (1989-present)
\nBy Asia Media, used under\u00a0\"\".\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

APPOINT
\n– the head of the judiciary
\n– 6 members of Guardian CouncilCOMMANDERS
\n– armed forces
\n– head of radio & TV
\n– Friday prayer leaders<\/td>\n		1 person
\n– chosen by clerics in Assembly of Experts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Guardian Council<\/strong><\/td>\nAPPROVE
\n– Parliament\u2019s bills, VETO
\n– Parliament\u2019s bills, BAR
\n– Parliament election candidates
\n– Assembly of Experts<\/td>\n		Three \u201c6\u201ds- 6 theologians appointed by the Supreme Leader
\n– 6 Jurists
\n– Elected every 6 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Assembly of Experts<\/strong><\/td>\nAPPOINT, \u00a0MONITOR, \u00a0REMOVE
\n– the Supreme Leader<\/td>\n		– 86 members
\n– Elected every 8 years
\n– Only Clerics<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Analysis<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n\"\"Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President (2005-2013)By\u00a0Presidencia de la Rep\u00fablica del Ecuador, used under\u00a0\"\".<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Although there is an elected institute that the electorate can vote for, their choices are limited. The candidates for Presidency, Parliaments and Assembly of Experts are highly selected and barred by the Guardian Council. While the Guardian Council is the most powerful body in the Constitution, members of the Guardian Council are appointed by the Supreme Leader. In other words, the Guardian Council is highly selective and religious. (only clerics can be members of Assembly of Experts). In order words, only the elites and religious leaders have the real ruling power in Iran.[1]<\/sup><\/sup><\/a>\u00a0This analysis can be supported by the large scale protest during Iran’s Presidential election in 2009[2]<\/sup><\/sup><\/a>\u00a0and the conflicts between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/sup><\/p>\n

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[1]<\/sup><\/sup><\/a> Akbar Ganji, “The Latter-Day Sultan: Power and Politics in Iran,”\u00a0Foreign Affairs<\/em>\u00a087(2008): 45-62<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[2]<\/sup><\/sup><\/a>\u00a0Robert F. Worth and Nazil Fathi. “Clerics’ Call for Removal Challenges Iran Leader,” New York Times<\/em>, August 16, 2009. Accessed November 20, 2013.\u00a0http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2009\/08\/17\/world\/middleeast\/17iran.html?_r=2&ref=middleeast&<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[3]<\/sup><\/sup><\/a> Babak Dehghanpisheh. “Ahmadinejad Vs. Ayatollah Khamenei: Iran’s President, Supreme Leader Clash Over Political Authority,” The Huggington<\/em> Post, Feburary 8, 2013. Accessed November 2013.\u00a0<\/em>http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2013\/02\/08\/ahmadinejad-vs-ayatollah-khamenei_n_2647337.html<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

EGYPT<\/h2>\n

Following Egypt\u2019s reign of pharaohs, Egypt was a relatively controlled power, whether that be under Roman, Ottoman or British power. It is only a recent occurrence that Egypt has had the ability to rule itself.<\/p>\n

After the revolution of 1952, in which the British-backed King Farouk was removed, Egypt returned to a period of self-rule plagued with dictatorships and corruption. The first true, modern, multi-party election as we would think of it was held in 2005. This election, while it was a step in the right direction, was marred by voter fraud, boycotts, and ballot stuffing. With a voter turnout below 30 percent, the incumbent Hosni Mubarak won with 6.3 million votes or 88 percent of the popular vote. \u00a0The elections of 2010 did curb some of the problems presented in the 2005 elections, but it was still seen as a corrupt and potentially rigged election (B.N. Collection 2013).<\/p>\n

For the sake of conciseness, we will take a deeper look at the government and elections following the Arab Spring revolution in which Hosni Mubarak was removed from power and the nation was put under military control. Mubarak left office on Feburary 11th <\/sup>,2011, and presidential elections were held the coming March and parliamentary elections were slated for the preceding November.<\/p>\n

Governmental Structure and Voting Rights<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/div>\n
Egypt Voting, by UN Women Arab States, used under\u00a0\"\".<\/div>\n

The Egyptian government is a three tiered system consisting of an Executive, Judicial and Legislative branch. The Egyptian legislative branch is bicameral. It consists of the Shura Council, elected for six-year terms, and the House of Representatives, whose members are elected to serve five-year terms. Voting rights are extended to all men and women of 18 years of age or older. Furthermore, twelve percent of the legislative seats are reserved for women. The president is elected to a six year term with a two term limit.\u00a0(Bureau 2013).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Major Parliamentary Parties for the 2011-2012 Election<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Following the Arab Spring, the Muslim Brotherhood was very popular and as such won a majority in the legislature under the official title of the Democratic Alliance for Egypt. There are sixteen other recognized political parties, of which the top three receiving votes are listed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Party<\/strong><\/td>\nIdeology\/ Connections<\/strong><\/td>\nVotes<\/strong><\/td>\nVote Percentage<\/strong><\/td>\nSeats Won<\/strong><\/td>\nMajor Constituent Parties<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Democratic Alliance for Egypt<\/span><\/td>\nIslamist- Muslim Brotherhood<\/span><\/td>\n10,138,134<\/span><\/td>\n37.5%<\/span><\/td>\n235\/508<\/span><\/td>\n-Freedom & Justice Party<\/span>-Dignity Party<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Islamist Bloc<\/span><\/td>\nIslamist- Salafi<\/span><\/td>\n7,534,266<\/span><\/td>\n27.8%<\/span><\/td>\n123\/508<\/span><\/td>\n-Al Nour Party<\/span>-Building & Development Party<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Wafd Party<\/span><\/td>\nNational Liberal<\/span><\/td>\n2,480,391<\/span><\/td>\n9.2%<\/span><\/td>\n41\/508<\/span><\/td>\nNA<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Presidential Election<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Following a close presidential election, there was a run-off between the top two candidates: Morsi, a known friend of the Muslim Brotherhood pictured at right; and Shafik, a political independent. They were vying for a six year presidential term of which there is a two term limit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Candidate<\/strong><\/td>\nParty<\/strong><\/td>\nVotes<\/strong><\/td>\nVote Percentage<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mohamed Morsi<\/td>\nFreedom and Justice Pary<\/td>\n13,230,131<\/td>\n51.7%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ahmed Shafik<\/td>\nIndependent<\/td>\n12,347,380<\/td>\n48.3%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Morsi\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

President Mohamed Morsi,\u00a0by\u00a0European External Action Service – EEAS, used under\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

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Violence<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/b>Morsi, backed by the Muslim Brotherhood, was sworn in by the Supreme Constitutional Court on June, 30th<\/sup> 2012 as Egypt’s first democratically elected president.<\/p>\n

These elections were likely all for naught as nearly a year after Morsi\u2019s election, he was ousted and the head of the Consitutional Court was appointed interim president on July the 3rd<\/sup> 2013 (N.Y. Collection 2013). This was the result of millions of citizens taking to the streets to protest believing that Morsi had failed them and had not delivered on his promises. Over the duration of the protest, dozens were killed and hundreds were injured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1.) Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. US Relations with Egypt<\/em>. Washington D.C: US State Department, 2013.\u00a0http:\/\/www.state.gov\/r\/pa\/ei\/bgn\/5309.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

2.) Collection, BBC News. Egypt Profile. November 26, 2013. (accessed November 29, 2013).http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-africa-13313370<\/a><\/p>\n

3.) Collection, New York Times. Time Line of Turmoil. August 15, 2013. Accessed November 24, 2013).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

INDONESIA<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Indonesian political structure before and after the constitutional reforms,<\/p>\n

By\u00a0Ichwan Palongengi, used under\u00a0\"\".<\/p>\n

Indonesia has experienced a decentralization of power since dictator Suharto\u2019s resignation in 1998. Indonesia has three branches of government: a legislative branch, an executive branch, and a judicial branch.\u00a0 Its legislative branch consists of three houses.\u00a0 The People\u2019s Consultative Assembly (MPR)\u00a0serves only to amend\u00a0the constitution, inaugurate the president, and impeach the president.\u00a0 This body contains members of two lower houses.\u00a0 The first of these is he House of Representatives (DPR), whose purpose is to create national legislation.\u00a0 The other legislature is the House of Regional Representatives (DPD), which provides legislative input to the DPR but cannot vote on legislation.<\/p>\n

The executive branch of Indonesia consists of the president, the vice-president, and the cabinet appointed by the president.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

Indonesia\u2019s judicial branch consists of a Supreme Court, a Constitutional Court, and a Judicial Commission.\u00a0 The Supreme Court confirms cabinet appointments and has the power to review all laws, including Islamic laws.\u00a0 The Constitutional Court, created by amendment in 2003, also reviews laws, but its jurisdiction does not include Islamic laws.\u00a0 Due to this limitation, this court has less power than the Supreme Court.[2]<\/a>\u00a0Indonesia\u2019s Judicial Commission has the power to review rulings of the judges in the courts.\u00a0 If the Judicial Commission finds controversial or inconsistent rulings, it can punish a judge.\u00a0 These punishments range from reprimand up to dismissal.[3]<\/a><\/p>\n

Indonesia has over three dozen political parties, but only nine currently have enough support to win seats in the legislatures because the constitution requires a party to win at least 2.5% of the vote to gain representation.<\/p>\n

Indonesia\u2019s voting age is 17, but married people who are 16 do not need to fulfill this age requirement.\u00a0 Elections are held every fifth year for legislators and the president with the next election being in 2014.\u00a0 All leaders are elected using a popular vote.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

This decentralization of power has resulted in a reduction of strict Islamic law.\u00a0 However, marriage law in Indonesia remains intricate.\u00a0 To marry in Indonesia, a couple must declare a religion.\u00a0 Law does not mention interreligious marriages; \u00a0therefore, it remains a heavily debated topic in Indonesia.\u00a0 Adultery is prohibited by law and is punishable by up to five years in prison or a substantial fine.\u00a0 Public displays of affection are also prohibited.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n

Indonesia is a fairly democratic country.\u00a0 Despite its Islamic majority, Indonesia continues to promote freer elections and stronger democracy.\u00a0 The rich diversity of Muslims in Indonesia makes it difficult for one sect of the faith to gain too much power.\u00a0 Indonesia\u2019s diverse party system also prevents a monopolization of power.\u00a0 As a result, Islamic political parties have earned fewer votes in recent election, making Indonesia more democratic. [5]<\/a><\/p>\n

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[1]<\/a> \u201cIndonesia.\u201d\u00a0 The World Factbook. CIA.gov. https:\/\/www.cia.gov\/library\/publications\/the-world-factbook\/geos\/print\/country\/countrypdf_id.pdf<\/a> (Accessed December 1, 2013).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[2]<\/a> Mark E.\u00a0Cammack\u00a0and R. Michael Feener, \u201cIndonesia: The Islamic Legal System,\u201d Pacific Rim Law & Policy Journal 21(2012): 13<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[3]<\/a> \u201cIndonesia’s Judicial Commission to Probe Judges.\u201d\u00a0Xinhua News Agency. COMTEX News Network, Inc., 27 Sept. 2005. Web. 1 Dec. 2013.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a>\u00a0Otto, Jan Michiel.\u00a0 Sharia Incorporated: First Global Overview from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia. <\/i>(Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2010), 433-490.\u00a0 Accessed online December 1, 2013.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[5]<\/a> Buehler, Michael.\u00a0 \u201cIslam and Democracy in Indonesia.\u201d\u00a0 Insight Turkey 11 (2009): 51-63.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Islam and Government by\u00a0Magdelena Ho Yan Tang,\u00a0Thomas LeClere,\u00a0Daniel Karr Dec 9, 2013 Overview For people who are not from the Islamic Culture, it is difficult to understand how religion and politics relate. In this section, we have selected three countries from Central Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia as examples of how Islamic Culture is incorporated […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2479,"featured_media":0,"parent":32,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-280","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2479"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=280"}],"version-history":[{"count":84,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2732,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/280\/revisions\/2732"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}