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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]

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

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 293,650 38.5 1 1 1.5
Against 468,823 61.5 18 5 20.5
Blank votes 81,909 – – – –
Invalid votes 1,485 – – – –
Total 845,867 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,385,582 61.0 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

May: Federal law on tuberculosis

Choice Votes %
For 202,863 24.8
Against 613,552 75.2
Blank votes 28,241 –
Invalid votes 1,211 –
Total 845,867 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,385,582 61.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

September: popular initiative

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 280,755 50.7 11 3 12.5
Against 272,599 49.3 8 3 9.5
Blank votes 35,655 – – – –
Invalid votes 1,941 – – – –
Total 590,950 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,389,856 42.5 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December: Federal law on civil servants

Choice Votes %
For 546,160 55.3
Against 441,785 44.7
Blank votes 14,552 –
Invalid votes 1,865 –
Total 1,004,362 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,394,818 72.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1913 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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