 The Challenging Facing City Council, as a Democratic Institution, in Iran towards Sustainability: a Case Study of Mahmoodabad, Mazandaran

Abstract

Introduction: This study focuses on city councils as public, democratic, and participatory institutions to identify the key challenges and barriers faced by democratic organizations towards full democracy. It also discusses the role of democratic institutions in fostering societal movement toward democracy and building a more sustainable society and city.

Methods: It is a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews with council members from different cities in Iran, focusing on council challenges, local management, participation, the role of citizens; and exploring selected documents from Mahmoodabad City Council.

Results and Conclusions: The results highlight the serious and complex problems that city councils in Iran face, particularly concerning the application of democratic principles and values. Iran has a long path ahead to establish democratic institutions and internalize democratic principles among citizens. It appears that Iran, like other developing societies, require non-political mechanisms and a committed atmosphere to guide society toward a democratic direction. Society must focus on guidelines to introduce strategies for individual and collective citizen actions to embrace democratic values and build a more sustainable society.