1963 Electoral Reform in Iran

Women get the right to vote

Narration based on Shah's book on White Revolution. (Also see last rally marking anniversary of 6th of Bahman in 1978):

from meisam davoudi
02-Aug-2011
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Balatarin
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aliash

You are very correct JJ

by aliash on Tue Aug 02, 2011 04:56 PM PDT

Unfortunately MRP squandered a great opportunity, creating a tyrannical regime, which directly led to the IR!  We do not need another strong man.  People should be able to elect a government based on free and fair election and no interference by anyone!  However, it is undeniable that the seeds of equality between men and women if it ever happens were planted by the Pahlavi’s!  I do not know if that was what they really wanted but that was the result!


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Darius Kadivar

Your Right JJ but accountability has to be a two way process...

by Darius Kadivar on Tue Aug 02, 2011 11:23 AM PDT


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Jahanshah Javid

Bassed digeh!

by Jahanshah Javid on Tue Aug 02, 2011 10:41 AM PDT

If everything had been carried out, if all promises had come true, if democratic reforms had substance, if secular political parties had been allowed to function without interference from the Shah and his court, we might have gotten somewhere.

But 16 years later the White Revolution became this:
//iranian.com/main/2011/aug/1978-annivers...

Women's emancipation did not mean participation in FREE and FAIR elections (as the only politicians allowed to be active were those who fully endorsed the Shah), democratic slogans lost their luster when Iran effectively became a one-party (Rastakhiz) state and the Shah amassed more and more power around himself.

Meanwhile clerical influence grew and religious groups flourished as the regime focused primarily on crushing Marxist and pro-Moscow forces and saw religion as a harmless deterrent.

After all we have been through throughout history, looking for another "strongman", another dictator, another regime where people do not have control over their own fate is... insane. Bassed digeh!


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aliash

Most important contribution of Pahlavi dynasty!

by aliash on Tue Aug 02, 2011 09:51 AM PDT

One can say many negative things about the Pahlavi dynasty and mistakes that they made.  But the contribution of Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah to women's equality and freedom is without a doubt one of the greatest contribution they made to Iran, and we should be indebted to them.  That is why we have such a vibrant and energetic women's movement in Iran that may eventually lead to the downfall of the current fanatic regime. 


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comments

Proud of being an Iranian.

by comments on Tue Aug 02, 2011 09:44 AM PDT

1963?  Amazing.


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