Supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini organized protests in opposition to the authoritarian government of the Shah. Khomeini became the new Leader of Iran. 98.2% of the Iranian voters voted "yes" in a referendum for the creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the Leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini (also known as Imam Khomeini). It replaced an authoritarian monarchy with a theocratic republic. The West claims the republic is authoritarian. 