The referendum, held in October 1955, was a critical moment in Vietnamese history, determining the fate of leadership in the country. Ngô Đình Diệm, who had been Prime Minister since 1954, orchestrated the political maneuvering that led to this crucial vote. After gaining the support of the United States, which was deeply invested in preventing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, Diệm positioned himself as the leader capable of safeguarding Vietnam’s integrity. The referendum was promoted as a democratic exercise, although it took place under the scrutiny of military and political pressures.

The results indicated overwhelming support for Diệm, capturing approximately 98.2% of the votes in favor of the new republic, whereas Bảo Đại received only a small fraction of the electorate’s support. This victory effectively ended the imperial rule of Bảo Đại, marking a transition from monarchy to the Republic of Vietnam. Following the referendum, Bảo Đại went into exile, while Diệm consolidated his power, establishing a regime that would face growing dissent as different factions emerged within Vietnamese society, including religious and political discontent aimed at his administration.

In the broader context, this event was pivotal as it set the stage for Vietnam's future involvement in the Cold War. Diệm's regime aligned closely with the United States, and his leadership style was characterized by both authoritarian measures and the promotion of anti-communism, which influenced subsequent U.S. policies in Vietnam and laid the groundwork for increased military involvement in the years that followed. The repercussions of Diệm’s referendum and subsequent actions shaped the course of Vietnam's political history and ultimately influenced the dynamics of the Vietnam War.