Elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday are the latest round in a continuing battle between Iran's conservative clerics and its reformists.

The argument is over whether the country will remain an Islamic theocracy as founded by Ayatollah Khomeini or whether it will move further towards the popular sovereignty championed by the country's reformist president, Mohammad Khatami, and his allies.

Iran's political system is like no other in that it combines Islamic religious authority with the elements of a modern democracy under a supreme spiritual leader. It is a political experiment keenly watched elsewhere in the Islamic world.

But is such a system viable? Can Islamic government work and what lessons does the Iranian model have for other Islamic countries? Is Islamic rule compatible with democracy?

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Here are the responses from BBC News online users

Can Islamic government work? History has answered this question for us. Muslims can make it work again but there is one condition that has to be satisfied, the government has to be Islamic.
Najib, Afghanistan

Democracy? What kind of Democracy? If the west can practise democracy while they claim their self as Christian countries, Iran can also be Democracy while practising Islam and believe me this will work whether the west want or not....
Abdi-Rashiid, Somalia

There is no "Islamic Government" in existence today in this world. And in Islamic rule no body can replace the Sharia with some other system. So what we find in today's world is only proxy Islamic rule. And any democratic states in today's world are better than the present Islamic State for a true Muslim.
Sunil, India

State and Religion should be separated and Iran is learning that right now.
Arash, US

One fundamental question comes to mind: whose Islam are we talking about? Every society and nation have a different understanding of Islamic rule and government, riddled with religious commandments, misconceptions, local tradition and worst of all power struggles of often ruthless Islamic 'authorities'.
Mustafa Ozbilgin, UK

Mohamed and Jesus alike would weep at what has been done in their name. Those given the power to interpret the meaning of Gods word have ability to warp doctrine to their own ends and tastes. In my nation and in Iran we see that adherence to a religious code is no guarantee of good character or honour.
Cat Leppo, USA

Iran's current brand of democracy is similar to the old apartheid democracy in South Africa. That is, within the limits of apartheid law, or in Iran's case the Islamic law, people can exercise their rights to elect officials. A true democratic society should not have any screens to sort the electoral process. Iran's brand of Islamic democracy has a long way to go before it can be branded as the real thing.
Hamoon Hedayat, USA

The enforced Islamic framework is like a cage, which prevents the FREE flight of the Iranian people. Until we can freely direct our own destiny, we cannot fulfil our potential. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
SHAYAN, Australia

I think the very fact that we are having a democratic election in Iran and people are able to vote for reformism shows that democracy is possible in an Islamic country. I don't think an election like this would have been possible during the previous regime. I think Iran's revolution had to go through all the steps and it has naturally evolved to where it is at now.
Reza, USA

I don't think that the problem of secularisation should be emphasised too much. Everywhere in the world laws and judiciary has its main origins in religion. So it is in Iran. The ongoing democratic process in Iran means that these originally religious dogmas now can be changed and reinterpreted through a political process.
Sin Binesch, Sweden

Islam is unique way of life. It has its own political system. In the Islamic people can participate in the decision-making of their government Islamic political systems and principles are guided by the Word of Allah and as long as that system does not contravene with the word of Allah.
Hassan Sheikhali, United Kingdom

Why is the world is not even giving the people of Iran a fair chance to prove that their way of democracy can work? With the number of extremists groups who interpret Islam differently from most of us who believe in the religion, it is very good to see Iran moving towards a moderate and democratic way of life. If the West wishes to halt the rapid spread of rightwing Islam, it needs to provide sufficient backing to the reform movement in Iran to ensure that the wheels of democracy do not stop.
Abbas, UAE

I feel Islam is destined to fail as an institution that explains all in the face of all the scientific findings that have occurred in the 20th century. Human beings have a very different idea of what they are and where they have come from post Darwinism and evolution; now DNA. Islam needs to emancipate to what others like Buddhism had long realised... religion is for the realisation of the individual and not a convenience for enslaving people who have evolved differently to you!
Vinod, UK

I think that the happenings in Iran in recent 2-3 years are showing the emergence of a genuine Iranian kind of democratic system. The main political problem in Iran has, during past 150 years, been how to unite the traditional and modern elements of this society together. Neither the constitutional revolution 1906 nor the national movement of 1949-53 could present an answer to this question. Now we see the creation of a genuine answer to an old question: a democratic system where traditional elements are guarded by the constitution and modernisation goes on under traditional norms.
Sin Binesch, Sweden

Christianity and most of its laws were derived from Judaism. Similarly Islam only revived the original laws of the "people" of Israel before these corrupted and lost them. Mohamed brought no new social laws but only used those of the chosen people. Therefore if any people or society is going to be able to rule itself with religious laws, the Muslim people have a good chance of succeeding since they protected the message as it was received.
Lamine Yahia, Algeria

Some in this column have said that they do not believe in God as though this is some sort of virtue. Ignorance is not something to be proud of. On the contrary, it's rather sad actually. Because one is an atheist does not mean that God does not exist. The inherent weakness in atheism is that the existence of God cannot be disproved. Try reading the Qu'ran with unbiased eyes and then pass judgement.
Simon Cameron, UK

To me, Islamic governance is equated to Shariah law such as what we have in Kabul and Zamphara State in Nigeria to mention but a few. These laws are simply put¿archaic and barbaric. They have no room in the new century especially when gender issues are at the forefront in all sectors including democratic governance. However, in a case where there is a mixture of Islam and modern democracy, I think there are broader areas which will be compromised. We need to avoid this by making it very clear whether we chose Islam or modern democracy.
Akello Grace, Uganda

Can somebody please define Democracy? Just say which country is the most democratic one and why. In my experience democracy has been - hypocrisy + western imperialism. If by democracy we mean democratic values and ideas, so many of those values are included in Islam, but not all. That means that Islam is not democratic. If you respect the Islamic values, then it is not enough to have a democratic system. You need an Islamic system.
B. H-Alikhani, Sweden

One thing we should understand that politics and religion (Islam) were not different, are not different and would not be different. So it very simple when we looking Just "IRAN" its seems to be nothing but we are going through the whole complete word "ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN" that's means a complete code of human being. Islam is the basic identification of Iran.
Syed Ejaz Jaffri, USA

"Islam leads to success if followed properly". Muslims have prospered in the past because they had pure Islamic systems. There is no doubt in my mind that Muslims can still prosper if they follow true Islamic laws to run their states. If Iran follows true Islamic laws and system of government, it is sure to succeed.
Saad Satti, USA

Islam is opposed to free speech. People are not allowed to point out problems with Islam. These problems don't get fixed. Islam is stuck in the dark ages with no easy way out. A religion needs to be flexible in order to improve. At one time slavery was legal in the US and now it is considered to be immoral. Imagine if Christianity never changed. We might still have slavery.
Michael Alexander, USA

The fundamental concept of democracy is a government based on the "ideals" of people. In order to have an Islamic Government there has to be a society which believes in the very basic principles of equity justice, and freedom within specified limits, as we see in free countries like US. Therefore an Islamic government is a concept just like a capitalist, or socialist government is, and is not a specific way of electing a govt. Since there is no true Islamic society therefore there does not exist a true Islamic govt in the world. All the examples given in other letters do not fulfil the criteria and spirit of Islamic govt.
MA, US

Iran is a great country with lot of rich values and heritage. But it is comparatively new nation like say India or Pakistan. While Iran can compare with both the countries on heritage, Iran loses out to countries like India or Israel because the leaders of these countries were forced into establishing the Armed Forces are Secondary to civilian rule.
Patrick Huhn, USA

I believe it is very difficult in 21st Century, to run a government with the rules of 14th century. Therefore all the progressive country found out they have to go by their Constitution, even if that book is too old, then we make amendment for that, therefore I think, there is no place in 21st century to run a government with any religion.
Alex Veyseh, USA

I am sure Moses, Jesus and Mohammed would prefer to die again if they were able to see what was done "on their behalf". There are no Christian, Jewish or Moslem states, there are politicians who are exploiting the faith of their people! Unfortunately, Iran is not an exemption!
Ilya Girin, USA

I bet the vast majority of the people think that the Greeks gave the world democracy, what a total fabricated lie. This is all part of the same rewriting of history that took shape in the 18th century! The same rewriting that has now created this Islamaphobia! The irony is that you are more willing to accept something like communism (I don't see Chinese Terrorist ever mentioned anywhere), rather than Islam that gave the West more than it will ever acknowledge.
Zafar Nadeem, England

Iran's present mix of Islam and democracy results from this country's distinct political, cultural and religious history. Islam is not a monolithic socio-political system, in the sense that the Saudi, Pakistani, or Iranian versions are very different from one another. Therefore, it would be far-fetched to assume that the Iranian model would be necessarily emulated elsewhere in the Islamic world. Meanwhile and again given the Iranian experience, it is very unlikely that a Western-style political system would emerge here. The ultimate goal for Iranians should not be to attain Western democracy as such, but to strike the right balance between Islam and the realities faced by a polity in the modern age.
CEA, Iran

Yes! Those of you who say religion can not work with politics are correct. But that is also where you are wrong. Due to the simple fact that Islam is not just a religion. "Islam is not in politics, politics is in Islam."
Chris, UK

Take a peek at Afghanistan and you have the answers. Also, look at Islamic Republic of Pakistan to study the unmaking of a democracy.
Girish Ramakrishna, USA

So autocracy + hypocrisy = theocracy, eh? I didn't realise that God was an autocratic hypocrite. The truth is that religion has long been a convenient tool for dictatorships to use to keep the masses under control. Let's not think that God has anything to do with it.
Tim Green, UK

The Question is not whether there can be a successful Islamic government but whether the West has succeeded in portraying Islam as a barbaric concept with no place in the 21st century.
Sadik Amin, Pakistan

I believe that Islam lays down the perfect law for people to obey. To be successful all of Islam needs to be followed and you cannot pick and choose the bits you like. According to Islamic teachings, interest should be abolished, Zakat system should be maintained and religious minorities respected and taken care of. Most of all everyone is treated equally whether it is the king or the Prime Minister.
Shakeel Ahmed, UK

The system will fail at the end because the Iranian rulers will always look for European contact and aid.
Awolaja, Germany

Can we have an Islamic government? Sure, why not? As, we can have Christian government or Jewish. The point is, it's difficult to have 65 million people with same point of view towards religion. In Iran, the problem is not Islam or Islamic government. The problem is some people who happen to rule this country want to force people to believe what they think is correct and that causes problems.
M. H. Tehrani, Canada

Religion is to guide the mind not to rule the nation. Religious freedom is a fundamental right. The laws should be based on the GOOD interest of the people in that region.
Chandramouli, India

Looking at the way Iran has been run for the last 21 years answers the question. Religion and politics can and will not mix. Islam is interpreted differently by many factions. From the western shores of Africa to the eastern corners of the Indian sub-continent lies varying Islamic forms of government but not one nation is run democratically and not one nation is knocking on the doors of progress, stability and prosperity.
Sia, UK

Government based on a religion is based on god's rules and its function to serve god! Under such regimes freedom has no meaning, democracy is a foreign concept.
Ebrahim Hodiani, USA

A true Islamic Government existed during the crusades and in Spain. They protect the Jews and Christians. On the other hand the Christians governments massacred Jews and Muslims. By the way Israel has been a country for Jews only and Judaism is the law of the land. Palestinians are treated worse than animals and nobody questions that.
Moshe Levin, USA

I feel that Islam and Democracy can not possibly coexist. Look at Pakistan. They have tried really hard to carry forward the inherited British model of a democratic government. But the deeply rooted suspicion of it, in the minds of the illiterate and feudal minded masses has always weakened it so that one General or another has found it convenient to step in to "improve on the un-Islamic Democrats"! While Indians have prospered using the same model, Pakistan managed to expel Bangladesh, and now wants a war over Kashmir!
Jayen, India

Any religion, for that matter is just a way of life and to be more specific it is just a code of conduct. The code of conduct is subject to one's own interpretation. So, how can a code of conduct churned out by just a handful of people be imposed on millions of people? In that case, it is not democracy, it is just "religio-cracy".
CLS, FInland

That there is no "Islamic Government" in existence today clear by the fact that the Muslims had to call in the U.S. to defend their very own most Holiest of places in Saudi Arabia. No nation has bona fide governance without a military to back its word. The largest military nation, the U.S., is a testament to that very fact. Which begs the question whether the West is willing to allow the existence of a Muslim military?
Yahya, USA

Democracy, freedom of thought and protection of minority rights are part of Islam, so yes Islamic rule is compatible with democracy. The difficult part is for us Muslims to develop such a true Islamic system. Iran has had a difficult start and we have a long way to reaching such a society.
Ahmad Sheikholelami, Iran

The best thing that the world can do for Iran is to leave us alone. Let us make our own decision and mistakes. We had a democracy fifty years ago but the west decided it wasn't good enough for their interests. We also had a monotheistic religion over 4000 years ago and the Arabs decided it wasn't good enough. Just let us be.
Gorbeheh, Iran

An Islamic government could work, if the West let it to be experienced. I think that any country with his social, cultural, and religious aspects has to find out his own way to democracy. I think that this type of rule and law have never been tried before, so let them the Iranian people to try their own way. They are moving to find out their way.
MSH, Japan

If we say everyone has a voice in democracy, then Iran could never be considered one. Even though Iranians in general are open towards ideas, the Islamic Republic is a group of clerics pocketting oil/tax dollars. They're supposedly responsible to the parliament, but what good can a herd of monkeys do, even if they have power. What my home needs is a man without a cleric's costume in power, someone who can do as the people want it to be done.
Arash Kamangir, currently in Canada

The best model of government for the Muslim world would be a democracy that does not reject primary principles of Islam. If you try to exclude Islam from democratisation projects designed for the Middle East, you will end up alienating masses from the democratic system and radicalise them. Like it or not, Iran is the most democratic Muslim country in the Middle East.
Matthew, USA

Autocracy + hypocrisy = theocracy
John Smith, USA

I strongly believe that religion has no place in politics. Throughout the human civilisation, religion has caused more problems than anything else. Most of the Islamic states are suffering now because they relate all the issues to religion. I think Iran should let its people decide what they want (especially women) and focus more on education.
Daljeet Singh, United States

Islam is a great religion no doubt as all religions are. If Islam can work wonders (as the adherent's claim) why then Muslims are running away from their homelands.
AVR Rao, USA

The fact that Iran has managed to survive as nation since 1979, Is testament to its success. Combining democracy with principles of Islam seem to be the only hope to save the Islamic countries from the cultural, political and military challenge from West. We Muslims must map out our future and not rely on others to lead us. This is our only hope for future. Good Luck Iran.
Zulfiqar Ali, England

An Islamic government won't work, until Islamic leaders learn the fact that they have to live side by side with other religious groups of society. Whenever and wherever in minority, Muslims use the words like "oppression" and " deprivation" claim separate land for them. And, whenever in majority, they drive out the other religious minorities from their land. This has to change in the 21st century.
Shardool Vyas, USA

Can the concept of a Theocracy encompass multiple religions, sects or cults? A democracy means freedom and equality for all its people - freedom of the individual to vote, to have an opinion, to follow his own religious beliefs without fear. Islam with strict and rigid codes on all aspects of religious and by inference, secular life, be able to accept and implement this theory of freedom?
Freedom and equality start from within and the Islamic countries have to start treating men, women and other sects within the Islamic framework equally before it can aspire towards freedom and equality for all. This will only happen when the keepers of the religion redefine its tenets to adjust to the demands and pressures of modern life - this needs very brave and enlightened leadership. Can Iran be that pioneer and lead the way? Only time will tell...
Anita Menezes, Canada

This question can not be answered without understanding Islamic Law (shirya). I would encourage you to first learn about Islamic law, and then come up with a law better than it. If you are unable to do so then be honest to yourself and accept Islam.
Saqib Amin, USA

There is a lot of people claiming we have 'infinitely' small knowledge about Islam. We have however lived in an Islamic Republic for 21 years now and have had Islam shoved down our throat everyday. I suggest to these people to get away from their comfortable surrounding and live in Iran to see what hell on earth is.
Parviz Tehrani, Iran

There has never been or never will be a democratic theocracy cause religion is for preparing humans for the next life but politics is for making earthly life worth living, so when the goals are different so are the paths.
Keko, SWE

From the experience that we learnt in Algeria during the past decade, I can tell you that Muslims around the world will never rest until their rulers adapt Islam as a way of governing the country. When it was done so from the time of prophet Mohamed to the time of the Otman empire we were a great nation as Muslims then look at us in the last century, most Muslim countries were somehow obliged to accept communism and it never worked. But now we as Muslims in the world want Islam as our law and that will remain so until the day of judgement.
Mostefa Bourchak, Algeria

Islamic Sharia law has elements that accommodate the oppression of women and non-muslims and the deprivation of their fundamental human rights. As such, it should not be an instrument for governing an entire populace - it should be restricted to what it is: a religion for those who are willing to abide by it.
Patrick Aniagolu, England

This piece-meal application of Islam in some countries as opposed to others has not met the expectations of the Muslim masses. Muslim countries should seriously consider the setting up of a Commonwealth or Confederation similar to the EU. This maybe an avenue towards breaking out of the boundaries imposed on them by the British and others.
M. Heraish, USA

The government is supposedly representing the Muslim religion. The one thing which is wrong with this is that the government should be representing the people, by this they would have to assume that the people are much broader in their opinion and beliefs.
The point is that the Iranian people have to have hope because, without hope for a better way of life there will never be a better way of life! I deeply hope the reformist Khatami, will be elected and will have more of an opportunity to help the economic and foreign relations of Iran.
Neda Shadan, England

If the question is just can an Islamic government work? Then the simple answer is yes. But the real question is will it be allowed to work? If you take the example of Saudi Arabia which has an Islamic Government there it appears to be working. Why? Simply because it suits the western governments. Therefore the question should be can an Islamic government work if allowed by the West.
Khalid Anwr, UK

Islam is an ideology, complete with its own ruling system. As for the question of whether is compatible with democracy, the answer is no. Democracy is the process by by which man legislates, ruling by whatever pleases him, in Islam, it is clear that we are only allowed to rule by what Allah (swt) has commanded us to rule by.
Khalill, England

Combining any religion and democratic government could never work. Religion is a personal issue, one that shouldn't be brought into politics. We see all to often the results of combining politics and religion, the terrorism and conflict it brings. I think Iranians will have to make a decision, Islamic state or democratic?
C Greenan, UK

The Islamic system will break under the pressures of reform. Finally a secular civil society will emerge with the cultural values of the nation at its heart.
Hamid, UK

Before criticising Islam and propagating trials and tribulations among the two major groups of Islam, all the people who are suffering from Islamophobia and don't wish Islam to flourish need to understand that Islam is not just a religion. In the sense that it may not be successful with politics.
Islam is a complete way of life, with a social, political, economical, environmental systems, and in this case the Islamic system is sure to work if people are willing to give it a chance.
Toc, UK

I have serious misgivings about any kind of theocratic state whether it be Muslim as in this case or Christian or Buddhist or whatever. The problem with running countries using religious law is that people tend to be oppressed far more easily.
Salman Rushdie is a classic case, he has been sentenced to death for expressing his opinion, and yet Iran is a so-called new democracy. I don't think so.
Ireland (Eire) is also similar there law though is based on Catholicism, and here we have a modern country where abortion is illegal as it is divorce, these laws are anti choice and anti human rights. Religion has been and will be used to control the masses and more particularly the behaviour of the women in that country to keep them in there place. People of the world wake up, realise RELIGION oppresses you, so break the chains.
Jen, UK

It's great isn't it? As we enter the 21st Century we're discussing which imaginary entity will "govern" millions of people.
Vernon Bigg, UK

Of course democracy can work within an Islamic framework. They have a set of religious rules that they work with in the same way that we do in Christian democracies. I think that we should try to understand their reasoning a little better, with the hope that they can then try to understand our beliefs. That way we can work together to, allowing our different cultures to live in peace and harmony together.
LG, UK

The whole point of a full democracy is that it will become whatever the people want. The people will vote for whatever they feel is best for them, whether that's on a religious, social or economic basis. Good luck to Iranian people!
Andrew Dowle, UK

'Absolute Power corrupts absolutely' That is why democracy works, that is why dictatorships and theocracies cannot produce a non corrupt or prosperous government. If you look at the example of the west you see prosperity, based on Christian laws, but ruled by the people. If Iran wants to prosper then becoming more democratic and giving more rights to women is a good start.
Dave Watkins, UK

It is very odd that so many non-Muslim people should write that Islam cannot/ does not work. One of the greatest Muslims that ever lived once said that his knowledge of Islam was a mere drop in the ocean. Therefore those that have criticised Islam are either very ignorant or are just anti-Islamic like so many Western states.
Shamim, UK

In any democracy the state must be separate from the church with an independent judiciary, a bill if rights and a free market. Unfortunately in an Islamic system of governance all this is not possible because every thing is seen from the Koranic point of view including the Sharia. Islamic theocracy and the concept modern democracy are mutually incompatible. As they never the twain shall meet
Anil, UK

I lived in Egypt for a number of years. Although the government claims to be secular, they do there best to appease the Muslim majority by persecuting the Christians. In Egypt it is illegal to build or repair a church without specific permission from the president (and you can guess how often THAT happens).
There are also many non-legal ways which the government uses to restrict the freedom of worship for Christians - and this is in a country which claims to be the most tolerant in the Middle-East! The Christians know that if they complain it will be made worse. Not only are Islamic governments bad news, any government in a majority Muslim country is bad news.
Jane Rogers, UK

It seems only people outside Iran are taking this election seriously. In Iran we are referring to this as 'Selections' and not elections. Every candidate has been vetted to the full. They have been vetted not for their ability to do the job but how faithful they are to saving this system.
Ziba, Iran

I think establishing a country on an Islamic basis is the best way to secure and ensure happier life for all citizens. For granting security and peace for all without exception, Islam is the solution. As Muslims, we have witnessed backwardness, injustice and living in poor conditions when we gave up the ideals, morals and teachings of Islam.
Salahlatif, Egypt

Islam is not just a religion; it is a society, culture, way to improve the standard of life. You can see for your self how fast Islam is spreading because of its uniqueness. See how fast gulf countries developed in a period of 100 years, its all because of Islam. Before saying anything about any religion you should see its history and how it evolved.
Abdullateef, Saudi Arabia

Whatever the outcome I command the people of Iran for their participation in deciding their destiny.
Abass, USA

Zargham Abbas Naqvi, Pakistan (based in Germany)

I feel the problem with all the negative views expressed about an Islamic government in Iran is based on a lack of knowledge or more bluntly ignorance. Most people in the West remember how the Church was a powerful political player and how it suppressed the masses in the name of god. However, Islamic governments in the past have never suppressed their masses. On the contrary, when Islam ruled, there was a flourishing of civilisation in the Middle East. Now that we have the modern day secular governments, which are Western backed, we see a backward Middle East. All those who compare the Church's iron fist rule with an Islamic government are completely off base. They have an infinitesimal knowledge about Islam, if any at all. I wish for a change the West would take a little time to understand what Islam is really about, rather than propagating myths and stereotypes, because I believe that ultimately the visions of Islam promote civility, civilisation, technology, and other aspects the West deems important.
Tareq, Canada

You have a country in the EU called Austria led by a Nazi Government.....How dare you people speak about Iran! Sort out the issues close to you.
Shahid Bhatti, Germany

If capitalism and secularism can work then the chances of Islamic working is very bright. The question is whether the west would allow it to work? From the recent incidents its very obvious that western countries have shown 'zero tolerance' towards Islam and its political system and have used all the dirty tricks in the book to harm the Islamic world.
Waseem M., USA

Practitioners of a doctrine or a theory with bad output results do not mean that, the same theory is wrong. Of course, an Islamic state is achievable given that you follow the Koran and Sunnah (prophet's sayings). It's not a theocracy, it is shurah. Muslims over 14 centuries have tonnes of books that can deal with all aspects of life in an Islamic way. That's the real model of an Islamic state. Comparing this with Iran, who considers some people above the law and unaccountable, it is anything else but Islamic.
Maseg, Hong Kong

What Islamic government? Remember that there are two major sects in Islam and they will not submit to one another. How can there be an Islamic government when they can never agree with one another?
Charles Dique, USA

It is most undesirable so an Islamic society to have a western democracy. In Islam the opinion about government is only allowed to the people with education of Islam or some basic education.
Abu Mohammad, USA

Theocracies were what caused the dark ages. That is what the Islamic world will be headed into, and some countries already are there. How anyone can trust someone who claims his edicts and rules come from god is beyond me.
Theocracy is just another name for dictatorship, albeit with a good dose of hypocrisy attached. At least good old-fashioned dictators don't claim that they are talking for god when they oppress their people. People don't get it.
It's simple. You show me a theocracy, and I show you a third world country.
Kalle Helenius, Finland

Not all Iranians are Muslims, therefore a government which bears the name of 'Islamic Republic' can not be a republic for all Iranians and encompass all her citizens. Mixing religion and state has proved disastrous throughout history, in Iranian history as well as European history. It is doomed to fail, I wish the Labour government would realise this!
Potkin Azarmehr, Iran

Over the centuries, the British have managed to combine democracy with Christianity. The Iranians will, no doubt, evolve their own political system to suit their particular social, economic, political, religious requirements.
- UK is a theocratic kingdom, with the sovereign crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury in Westminster Abbey;
- The Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed by the sovereign on the advice of her/his prime minister;
- The second chamber of the British Parliament consists of Lords temporal and spiritual, with bishops from the established Christian church, enjoying an automatic right to sit in the House of Lords);
- It is mandatory for the British Lord Chancellor, head of the British judiciary, to be a member of the established church (the present British government has rejected for a change in this provision despite many other constitutional changes they have introduced)
- British Parliament begins proceedings with Christian prayers and maintains a Christian chapel within its precincts at taxpayers' expense. If the Church of England forms part and parcel of British constitution and if UK can still be a democracy, Iran could also be a democracy while practising Islam.
Mohan Singh, India

Make no mistake about Iran. This is not a democracy in any shape or form nor is it Islamic. The 'Islamic Republic' is the power base of a few who are telling the people of Iran they represent God and therefore any opposition against them is an opposition to God!.
Shahnaz Assadi, UK

I dislike the idea of any government being formed on religious principles. I'm an atheist, and basically believe that basing anything on religion is wrong. However, I accept that other people have (misguided - sorry, couldn't help myself!!) religious views of different types, and I think people should be able to express these without ANY interference by the state. That is why I believe in the secular state.
Tristan O'Dwyer, England

As an overview of the world at the present moment, most of the Islamic States are in some sort of war or on the brink of collapse, or ruled by dictators, or ruled by oppressive Islamic Regimes namely Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran Etc.
Other countries like Indonesia, Somalia, Sudan, Algeria, Nigeria, Turkey are countries who have adopted both modern democracy coupled with Islamic way. However these countries have constant internal battles and conflicts between different religious groups within their countries and this shows that a combination of modern and Islamic government does not work.
An Islamic model of governance will not work unless it is re-modified to suit modern needs and modern culture of multi-religious, multi-faith and multi-ethnic societies. It seems in all the above mentioned countries the Muslim populations normally do not want to live side by side with the other religious groups and this results in conflicts, or forceful request of self rule.
Dipa Patel, UK

I think a combination of theocracy and democratic government is best for Iran. I feel moving to a total democracy will not work as we have seen in the past. Iran definitely needs to retain some religious Islamic foundation. A combination of the two can work and provide a good framework for others to work from. I do see however, a gradual shift from the current conservative government to a more reformists, wishing to get back into World politics and trade.
Krar Haider, UK

Iran could operate as an Islamic country complete with elections. However, I'm more than satisfied that politics and religion are not compatible and the renewal of the fatwa reference, is proof.
Colin, Netherlands