The senate has almost the same powers as Canada's House of Commons, except on money bills, but because its members have little democratic authority, it rarely contradicts the Commons.

ECONOMIST: The House of Lords

They said the letter by Mr James was 'necessary' to protect the rights and freedoms of others by maintaining public confidence in the democratic process and the authority's conduct.

BBC: Mark James and Jacqui Thompson

Oddly enough, it was the conservatives who first called for local elections two years ago, as a means of getting rid of an official they did not like, and Mr Khatami later adopted the idea in the hope of strengthening his democratic base and decentralising authority.

ECONOMIST: Iran