The Islamic Councils (Persian: شوراهای اسلامی), formerly known as the Provincial Societies (Persian: انجمنهای ایالتی و ولایتی, romanized: anjoman-ha-ye ayalati va velayati)[1] are local councils which are elected by public vote in all cities and villages throughout Iran.
Council members in each city or village are elected by direct public vote to a 4-year term.[2]
According to article 7 of the Iranian Constitution, these local councils together with the Majlis (Parliament) are "decision-making and administrative organs of the State".
The councils are in charge of electing mayors, supervising the activities of municipalities; study of social, cultural, educational, health, economic, and welfare requirements of their constituencies; the planning and coordination of national participation in the implementation of social, economic, constructive, cultural, educational and other welfare affairs.
