Iran marks Islamic Republic establishment

Iran is celebrating the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic — a new Islamic system that replaced a US-backed monarchy.

On April 1, 1979, less than two months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, millions of Iranians cast their ballots in a national referendum on a new system of government.

They were offered to vote on whether they wanted Iran to become an Islamic Republic.

An astonishing 98.2 percent of the votes endorsed the establishment of an Islamic Republic and the creation of a new constitution.

Thirty one years on, Iranians continue to mark the occasion by holding ceremonies across the country on the anniversary of the referendum.