1897 Swiss referendums

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Three referendums were held in Switzerland during 1897. [1] The first was held on 28 February on a federal law establishing a Central Bank, and was rejected by a majority of voters. [1] The second and third were held on 11 July concerning an amendment to article 24 of the constitution and on legislation on potentially harmful foodstuffs and stimulants. [1] Both were approved by a majority of voters and cantons. [1]

Contents

Background

The referendums on the constitutional amendment and the foodstuffs legislation were mandatory referendums, [1] which required a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons. [2] The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton. [2] Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half. [2] The Central Bank referendum was an optional referendum, [1] which required only a majority of the public vote. [2]

Results

Central Bank

ChoiceVotes%
For195,76443.3
Against255,98456.7
Blank votes8,198
Invalid votes2,197
Total462,143100
Registered voters/turnout715,34264.6
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Amendment to article 24 of the constitution

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For156,10263.514416
Against89,56136.5526
Blank votes25,444
Invalid votes6,077
Total277,18410019622
Registered voters/turnout716,88338.7
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Legislation on foodstuffs and stimulants

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For162,25065.116518.5
Against86,95534.9313.5
Blank votes24,023
Invalid votes4,624
Total277,85210019622
Registered voters/turnout716,88338.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1905 ISBN   9783832956097
  2. 1 2 3 4 Nohlen & Stöver, p1891