Iranians mark 44th anniversary of establishment of Islamic Republic
Gisoo Misha Ahmadi
Press TV, Tehran
“Independence, Freedom, Islamic Republic” … this was the main slogan people chanted as they took part in mass demonstrations that led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi regime and the victory of the Islamic revolution on February 11, 1979.
The late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini ordered authorities to hold a referendum allowing the nation to take its future into its own hands.
The historic referendum was held on March 30 and 31, 1979, and the results were announced a day later on April 1, indicating 98.2 percent of people had voted ‘Yes’ to establishing an Islamic Republic. This put an end to 2,500 years of monarchy in Iran. The day has since been named ‘the Islamic Republic Day’ in the Iranian calendar and is a national holiday.
Meanwhile the referendum conveyed this message to the world that the new establishment in Iran is based on both Islamic and democratic values.
Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic, Iran has held dozens of elections for parliament, presidency, city councils, and the Assembly of Experts, and it serves as a role model and a source of inspiration for many nations across the world.
But this year, the Islamic Republic Day is even more special as it comes at a time when the nation has successfully thwarted an all-out hybrid war and foreign-backed riots. And now, the Islamic republic has emerged stronger than ever.
Some 44 years ago and just weeks after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Iranians took part in a referendum to say ‘yes’ to the establishment of the Islamic Republic. Today, more than ever, this signifies what Iran stands for.
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