1923 Estonian religious education referendum

noneNovember 2022November 2022 gov Estonia 1923 02 17 1923 02 19 y 324,933 127,119 2,116 685,730 A referendum on restoring voluntary religious education to state schools was held in Estonia between 17 and 19 February 1923.Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p574 978-3-8329-5609-7 It was approved by 71.9% of voters with a turnout of 66.2%.Nohlen & Stöver, p579 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.Vincent E McHale (1983) Political parties of Europe, Greenwood Press, p374 0-313-23804-9 Results ChoiceVotes%For324,93371.9Against127,11928.1Invalid/blank votes2,116–Total454,168100Registered voters/turnout685,73066.2Source: 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. References Category:Referendums in Estonia Category:1923 referendums Category:1923 in Estonia