A referendum on establishing an Islamic republic was held in Iran on 30 and 31 March 1979. It took place in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty on 11 February 1979 and the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as Iran's de facto leader. Voters were asked whether the country should be transformed into an "Islamic Republic", to replace the outgoing Imperial State. The proposal was approved by an overwhelming majority, although the result was marred by boycotts and disputes over electoral interference.