1949 Swiss referendums

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Four referendums were held in Switzerland during 1949. [1] The first two were held on 22 May on revising article 39 of the federal constitution concerning the Swiss National Bank and a federal law amending a 1928 law on measures against tuberculosis, with both rejected by voters. [1] The third was held on 11 September on a popular initiative "for the recurrence to direct democracy" and was narrowly approved. [1] The final one was held on 11 December on a federal law to amend the employment status of federal civil servants, and was also approved. [1]

Contents

Background

The referendum on revising the constitution was a mandatory referendum. [1] Together with the popular initiative, both 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 referendums on federal laws on tuberculosis and civil servants were both optional referendums, [1] which required only a simple majority of votes in favour. [1]

Results

May: Constitutional amendment on the Swiss National Bank

ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For293,65038.5111.5
Against468,82361.518520.5
Blank votes81,909
Invalid votes1,485
Total845,86710019622
Registered voters/turnout1,385,58261.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

May: Federal law on tuberculosis

ChoiceVotes%
For202,86324.8
Against613,55275.2
Blank votes28,241
Invalid votes1,211
Total845,867100
Registered voters/turnout1,385,58261.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver
ChoicePopular voteCantons
Votes%FullHalfTotal
For280,75550.711312.5
Against272,59949.3839.5
Blank votes35,655
Invalid votes1,941
Total590,95010019622
Registered voters/turnout1,389,85642.5
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December: Federal law on civil servants

ChoiceVotes%
For546,16055.3
Against441,78544.7
Blank votes14,552
Invalid votes1,865
Total1,004,362100
Registered voters/turnout1,394,81872.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1913 ISBN   9783832956097
  2. 1 2 3 Nohlen & Stöver, p1891