Inauguration of the The Assembly of Experts in July 1983

Still, while the Assembly is tasked with selecting the next supreme leader, other powerful figures and institutions—such as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps—will likely influence the selection. Just over 800 candidates have registered —although many fewer will qualify—to run for a seat in the fifth Assembly, which will sit from 2016 to 2024. This number includes 16 women. President Rouhani has served twice on the Assembly of Experts and has registered to run in this election. The Guardians’ Council is due to announce the final list of candidates later this week.