1923 Estonian religious education referendum

1923 Estonian religious education referendum
(1923-02-17) (1923-02-19)17–19 February 1923
Results
Choice
 Votes %
Yes 324,933 71.88%
No 127,119 28.12%
Valid votes 452,052 99.53%
Invalid or blank votes 2,116 0.47%
Total votes 454,168 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 685,730 66.23%
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A referendum on restoring voluntary religious education to state schools was held in Estonia between 17 and 19 February 1923.[1] It was approved by 71.9% of voters with a turnout of 66.2%.[2]

Background

On 5 January 1921 the Christian Democratic Party (KDP) joined Konstantin Päts' Farmers' Assemblies-led the government, and was given the Education ministry portfolio. The following year the KDP caused a split in the government by introducing a bill to provide religious education in state schools, funded by the state. Although the proposal was rejected by the Riigikogu, the party forced a referendum on the issue in early 1923.[3]

Results

Choice Votes %
For 324,933 71.9
Against 127,119 28.1
Invalid/blank votes 2,116 –
Total 454,168 100
Registered voters/turnout 685,730 66.2
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Aftermath

As the referendum was a rejection of government policy, this was considered to be a vote of no confidence on the rest of the government. The Riigikogu was subsequently dissolved and fresh elections called.[3]

References

  1. ^ Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p574 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p579
  3. ^ a b Vincent E McHale (1983) Political parties of Europe, Greenwood Press, p374 ISBN 0-313-23804-9


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