White Revolution Referendum · Enqelab-e Sefid

Culture of origin: Iranian · Historical

Holiday sources: Iran · Qashqai

The Shah called the referendum by decree to show popular support for the six reforms of the White Revolution, voted on as one yes-or-no package. Women, not yet officially allowed to vote, cast ballots at separate counters, and the result gave them the vote. Voting was not secret: 'yes' ballots were white, 'no' ballots green, in separate booths. Landowners, clerics and communists opposed it, the National Front boycotted it, and the riots that followed were suppressed and opponents imprisoned.