Organic Constitution, Monarchy with a Senate, Historical Legitimacy, Secular Democracy, Referendum on Choosing the Type of System. Political Report of Shahvand Think Tank | Raghu Kendri

 

Today, Iran stands at one of the most complex turning points in its modern history. The collapse of the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy and the accumulation of political, economic, and social crises have brought society to a fundamental question: How can we overcome the current deadlock and achieve a new and sustainable order? The answer depends not only on an analysis of the past but also on charting a legitimate and viable future.

Two Main Paths of the Opposition: Constitutional Monarchy or Emergency Handbook

Within the opposition, two main approaches have emerged: a return to the 1906 Constitutional Monarchy or reliance on an “Emergency Handbook.” Each presents different answers to the problem of transition, with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Constitutional Monarchy: A Legacy of the Past

Supporters of the 1906 Constitution see it as a historic and legitimate charter still capable of life. In this view, legal continuity and political legitimacy depend on fidelity to this framework.

However, the problem is that this constitution does not address the demands of the 21st century. A society seeking secularism, equal citizenship, and a referendum on its system cannot rely on a document drafted with compromises to religion and traditional limitations. Thus, constitutionalism here appears as a legacy too rigid for today’s reality.

The Emergency Handbook: Managing Transition

Other activists and Iran Prosperity Project have proposed an “Emergency Handbook,” a plan for managing the first 100–180 days after the collapse of the Islamic Republic.

The goal is to prevent a power vacuum, ensure essential services, stabilize the economy and security, and prepare for elections.

Yet this approach lacks a clear legal foundation, raising the risk of disorder or even a new dictatorship.

Organic Constitutional Monarchy with a Senate: Bridging Past and Future

Shahvand Think Tank’s proposed path is Organic Constitutional Monarchy—grounded in legal continuity but not frozen in the past.

By adding necessary amendments, one can:

Abolish clerical power,

Guarantee secular democracy,

Establish succession through the firstborn heir regardless of gender,

Ensure the right to hold referenda.

 

The Role of the Senate in Exile

Under the 1906 Constitution, legislative authority belonged to both the National Assembly and the Senate. Both were dissolved after 1979, yet forming a Senate in exile remains possible.

According to the constitution, the Senate consisted of 30 elected and 30 appointed members. In exile, where elections cannot be held, the Shah may exercise his constitutional power to appoint 30 senators, allowing the Senate-in-exile to begin its work.

Through consultation with political groups, these senators can represent diverse views—both monarchists and republicans.

 

This approach treats the constitution as a living document, adaptable to new realities. Temporary amendments can fill critical gaps: guaranteeing secularism by excluding religion, succession without gender limitation, civil liberties, and the right to determine the system of government via referendum. Thus, constitutional legitimacy is preserved while avoiding legal stagnation.

Interregnum and Transition Management

This interregnum will test the legitimacy and effectiveness of political forces, as society will trust only those able to provide security, essential services, and a clear direction forward.

The “interregnum” begins before the fall, when foreign powers recognize a provisional government. In this fragile period—between the fall of the regime and the establishment of a new order—the risk of chaos and dictatorship is highest.

Legitimate management requires temporary institutions: a provisional government with limited powers, and a Senate-in-exile authorized to adopt essential amendments and prepare the legal foundation of the future order.

Temporary Institutions and the Role of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

Shahvand Think Tank proposes forming a provisional government-in-exile under Reza Shah II. This body would not be a permanent government but an executive authority for the transition, tasked with preserving security, ensuring basic services, and organizing a referendum and a Constituent Assembly.

Alongside it, the Senate-in-exile would serve as the legal authority to annul the constitution of the Islamic Republic and approve necessary temporary amendments.

 

The Dual Character of the Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

The Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi embodies two simultaneous roles:

As a legal figure: the lawful Shah of Iran, symbol of historical continuity and national unity.

As a political leader: head of the national opposition and focus of public trust.

This duality makes him the central source of legitimacy for temporary institutions.

Roadmap: From Interregnum to National Renaissance

The roadmap proposed by Shahvand Think Tank:

Formation of a provisional government and Senate-in-exile.

Adoption of temporary amendments guaranteeing secularism, civil liberties, and preparation for executive institutions.

Overthrow or collapse of the Islamic Republic.

National referendum on the type of system (monarchy or republic).

Formation of a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution.

Dissolution of temporary institutions and the beginning of secular democracy.

Strategic Philosophy

Static Constitutionalism = freezing in the past.

Emergency Handbook = stopping halfway.

Organic Constitutional Monarchy with a Senate = a bridge between past and future.

This bridge rests on three pillars:

Historical legitimacy,

The imperatives of secular democracy today,

The people’s will to determine their destiny.

If followed correctly, the interregnum will not become chaos but the threshold of a National Renaissance: an opportunity to rebuild Iran on the foundations of freedom, justice, and progress.

 

Iran’s National Renaissance is neither a return to yesterday nor a pause in today, but a leap toward a free, secular, and democratic tomorrow.

The Shahvand Think Tank considers itself duty-bound to support and follow the projects of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.