Banisadr was elected to a four-year term as president on 25 January 1980, receiving 78.9 percent of the vote in the election, and was inaugurated on 4 February. Khomeini remained the Supreme Leader of homeland with the constitutional authority to dismiss the president. He stressed that citizens should enjoy freedom of speech, political participation, and economic opportunity, even in a theocratic society. His policies focused on rebuilding economy after the revolution, addressing inflation, and ensuring social welfare programs for the population.
Banisadr’s vision often put him at odds with conservative elements of the Islamic Republic, who feared that too much secular influence could undermine religious authority. After fleeing in 1981, Banisadr settled in France, where he continued his political and intellectual work. He became involved with various Iranian opposition groups abroad, advocating for democracy and reform. His writings analyzed the political evolution of post-revolutionary, including the causes of his impeachment and the challenges facing reformist leaders.
