Historical Organization
Iranian electorate
Iranian electorate
Details
Organization Timeline
Voting begins on an Islamic republic
📅 30 March 1979Citizens were asked whether monarchy should be replaced by an Islamic Republic.
The referendum rejects monarchy
📅 30 March 1979For supporters, the vote translated the revolutionary overthrow into a direct act of popular sovereignty.
Most opposition currents support or debate the proposal
📅 30 March 1979Some groups endorsed the new republic, while others criticized the yes-or-no format or called for a boycott.
Women participate as voters
📅 30 March 1979Women's participation affirmed their visible role in the revolution and in deciding the formal structure of the new state.
Voters elect the constitutional Assembly of Experts
📅 3 August 1979The election chose representatives to review and rewrite the proposed constitution.
The Islamic Republican Party wins a dominant position
📅 3 August 1979Clerical networks organized effectively while several left and minority organizations boycotted or faced disadvantages.
Constitution-making moves from draft to elected assembly
📅 3 August 1979The vote established a formal arena for deciding the institutions of the Islamic Republic.
Participation and representation remain contested
📅 3 August 1979Debates focused on whether the assembly reflected the full diversity of the revolutionary coalition.
Voting begins on the new constitution
📅 2 December 1979The two-day referendum asked citizens to approve the constitution drafted by the Assembly of Experts.
The constitution receives overwhelming official approval
📅 2 December 1979Supporters treated the result as popular confirmation of the Islamic Republic's permanent institutions.
Several revolutionary currents boycott or oppose the text
📅 2 December 1979Nationalists, left organizations, Kurdish groups and some clerical supporters objected to the powers of velayat-e faqih or the political process.
The constitutional referendum completes the founding cycle
📅 2 December 1979Within one year Iran had overthrown monarchy, voted for a republic and ratified a new constitutional order.