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 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
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.
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