Imam held historic referendum just weeks after the victory of revolution, one of the most important events of the 20th century.
Following the fall of the US-backed Pahlavi regime, officials on recommendations of Imam Khomeini held a landmark two-day referendum on March 30-31, 1979.
Over 98.2 percent of eligible Iranians voted “yes” to the establishment of an Islamic republic in the country.
The historic referendum was held at a sensitive juncture of time when each corner of Iran was full of the mottos and slogans of “Independence, Freedom and the Islamic Republic.”
Imam Khomeini recommended the relevant authorities that all efforts should be undertaken to organize the referendum immediately after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
Imam Khomeini, the leader of contemporary Muslim world, established the Islamic-democratic system based on religious values and the aspirations of the mass public.
Since then, the elections were widely accepted as vital norm and was institutionalized in the structure of the Islamic system.
This happened despite people had time and again showed their trust at his leadership during massive rallies in support of the Islamic Revolution.
Imam had always sought massive participation of public masses in all arenas and fields.
Since the establishment of the Islamic-Republic system nearly four decades ago, Iran has organized several presidential, parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections.
Imam had frequently stressed the constant and vast participation of people in all fields, including political, cultural and cultural affairs.
Imam used to invite people from all walks of life to actively participate and cast their ballots on the Election Day.
According to Imam, rushing to polling stations and casting ballots would also mean that people have fulfilled their social responsibility and religious obligations. Massive turn out also means that people will determine their destiny and will never remain indifferent in this regard.
It is noteworthy that Imam Khomeini described the participation in elections as a religious and social duty which must be fulfilled. He also used to ask the deputies and lawmaker to keep their promises which they make during election campaign and rallies.
Pundits and political experts maintain Imam Khomeini could constitute the most popular types of governments in contemporary era.
Imam Khomeini insisted on developing an all-inclusive democratic institution, promoting democracy and enforcing rule of law in the society.
Imam Khomeini, the spiritual and religious leader, also used to put emphasis on developing amicable and sincere relationship between the people and the leadership of the Islamic-democratic government.
Imam used to state that the pillar of Islamic rule is based on mutual trust between the people and competent leadership. Imam insisted on serving masses on oppressed classes of the nation.
“If they call me a servant, it is better than being called a leader. Leadership is not what matters; what matters is service; Islam has made it necessary for us to serve... I am a brother to the Iranian people and regard myself as their servant and soldier... In Islam, one-thing rules and that is the law. Law also ruled during the time of the honorable Prophet; He was the implementer,” Imam Khomeini said in one of his messages.
Political analysts say then the Islamic world could be relieved from the ongoing miseries and difficult situation if Imam Khomeini’s role-model of the Islamic-democratic is widely adopted by the Muslim nations.
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