Luxembourg political parties referendum, 1937

A referendum on the Order law was held in Luxembourg on 6 June 1937.^[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of the new law (loi d'ordre), which would ban any political party that sought to change the constitution or national legislation by violence or threats.^[2] The law would result in the dissolution of the Communist Party, and became known as the Maulkuerfgesetz ("muzzle law" or loi muselière).^[3]

The proposal was rejected by voters, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Bech and his replacement by Pierre Dupong.^[3]

Background

The law was proposed by the Party of the Right, which had become increasingly authoritarian during the 1930s.^[3] Protests against the law were led by the Labour Party, trade unions and young members of the Radical Liberal Party.^[3] Believing he had the support of the majority of the public, Bech agreed to a referendum on the law shortly before it was adopted by the Chamber of Deputies by a vote of 34 to 19.^[3]

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	70,371	49.3
Against	72,300	50.7
Invalid/blank votes	10,815	–
Total	153,486	100
Registered voters/turnout
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1244 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1252
3. Nohlen & Stöver, p1235