1953 Iranian parliamentary dissolution referendum

1953 Iranian parliamentary dissolution referendum
3–10 August 1953 (1953-08-03 – 1953-08-10)
Dissolution or Continuation of the 17th National Consultative Assembly
Results
Choice
 Votes %
Yes 2,043,389 99.94%
No 1,207 0.06%
Valid votes 2,044,596 100.00%
Invalid or blank votes 4 0.00%
Total votes 2,044,600 100.00%

A referendum on the dissolution of Parliament, the first referendum ever held in Iran, was held in August 1953. The referendum was in direct contravention of the then Constitution of Iran which normally reserved the power to dissolve parliament to the Shah. The vote was boycotted by the opposition, including influential figures like Ayatollah Kashani. Prime Minister Mosaddegh justified it as "the will of the people is above law" to legitimize the dissolution of Parliament. The referendum was approved by more than 99% of voters, with the result being described as fraudulent.

Following the referendum, there were talks about another referendum to abolish the Pahlavi dynasty and make Iran a republic, however the government was overthrown by a coup d'état shortly after.

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