Concentration and centralization have become one of the structural characteristics of governance in Iran after the establishment of the Islamic Republic system. This centralized approach has gradually led to the creation and intensification of deep social, economic, political, and cultural problems. In the midst of this, plans such as relocating the capital from Tehran to Makran have been proposed as a superficial solution to reduce the challenges caused by concentration. However, such actions, without considering the real participation of local communities and civil institutions, are not only unable to solve the root causes of problems, but may also lead to new challenges. From a legal perspective, this approach contradicts the principles of public participation and the rights of local communities in major decision-making. In a country facing severe economic inflation, regional inequalities, and other structural crises, relocating the capital without comprehensive planning and participatory approaches cannot be seen as a sustainable and effective solution.

The participation of local communities in major decisions, such as the transfer of the capital, is not only recognized as a fundamental right, but also as one of the fundamental principles of good governance and participatory democracy in modern legal systems. This participation has its roots in principles such as the right to self-determination, the right to development, and the right to participate in public affairs, which have been emphasized in international human rights documents and constitutions of many countries, including Iran. Furthermore, from a legal perspective, the participation of local communities in such decisions is not just a moral obligation or a preferred policy, but a legal requirement that is reflected in domestic laws and international commitments. On the other hand, the participation of local communities in the decision-making process significantly contributes to the legitimacy and public acceptance of decisions.

When local communities are involved in the decision-making process, they feel a greater sense of ownership and responsibility towards the outcomes of these decisions. This not only leads to a reduction in local resistance and an increase in social cooperation, but also helps to strengthen public trust in government institutions. In fact, active participation of local communities, as a social capital, can lead to more effective and sustainable implementation of policies and major programs. Additionally, this participation leads to a more accurate identification of the needs, challenges, and opportunities of the region. In fact, due to their deep familiarity with the geographical, cultural, economic, and social conditions of their region, local communities can provide valuable information to decision-makers. This information helps with more precise and realistic planning and prevents strategic errors in the implementation of major projects.

In many countries, the participation of local communities in major decisions such as the relocation of the capital is considered an important principle. For example, in the relocation of the Brazilian capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília, the Brazilian government made efforts to ensure public acceptance and support for this decision through extensive community participation and public consultations. This approach not only helped reduce local resistance, but also increased the legitimacy and effectiveness of this massive national project. In other countries such as Germany and Canada, this issue is also considered a legal and political principle. These countries use various mechanisms such as holding public meetings, conducting surveys, and forming advisory committees to ensure the participation of local communities. These mechanisms not only help increase transparency in the decision-making process, but also strengthen public trust and accountability of government institutions.

Of course, the approach of the Iranian government to this issue is different, and various governments after the establishment of the Islamic Republic have systematically ignored the use of proper mechanisms for people’s participation in major decision-making. This approach, rooted in a centralized and hierarchical governance structure, has led to the neglect of opinions, needs, and desires of local communities. Government officials not only do not believe in people’s participation as a fundamental right, but in many cases, they make important decisions without consulting the main stakeholders and without considering the social, economic, and cultural consequences of these decisions. This style of governance has not only reduced the legitimacy of the political system, but has also led to the failure of major economic projects. The results of these policies can be seen in the country’s movement towards a comprehensive economic, political, and social collapse, which the plan to transfer the capital from Tehran to Makran is not exempt from. In fact, if this plan is implemented without transparency, accountability, and people’s

It must be said that without considering the opinions of the people and ensuring fundamental conditions of desirable governance, such as transparency, accountability, and active participation of local communities, such decisions will not only be unable to improve the country’s situation, but will also exacerbate existing economic, social, and political crises. In order to prevent the repetition of this flawed cycle, it is necessary for the government of Iran to reconsider its approach to public participation and establish the necessary legal and institutional mechanisms to guarantee genuine participation of the people in major decision-making processes. Only in this way can sustainable and publicly accepted results be achieved and further crises be prevented.