1923 Estonian religious education referendum|
|
|
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%
| |
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
- ^ Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p574 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
- ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p579
- ^ a b Vincent E McHale (1983) Political parties of Europe, Greenwood Press, p374 ISBN 0-313-23804-9
