The referendum took place, after EAM/ELAS had been defeated in the Dekemvriana. Although it had agreed to disarm at the Treaty of Varkiza, in January 1945, it surrendered only a few token weapons and withdrew into the mountainous areas of Greece, where it had effective control.
A vote was cast, following EAM/ELAS suffered a defeat in the Dekemvriana. Although it had agreed to disarm under the Treaty of Varkiza in January 1945, it surrendered only a few symbolic arms and retreated into Greece's mountainous areas, where it maintained control.