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Five referendums were held in Switzerland during 1950.[1] The first was held on 29 January on extending a federal resolution on promoting housebuilding, and was rejected by voters.[1] The second was held on 4 June on the federal budget, and was also rejected by voters.[1] The third was held on 1 October on a popular initiative "for the protection of ground and labour by prohibiting speculation", and was rejected by voters.[1] The final two were held on 3 December on revising article 72 of the constitution regarding the election of the National Council and a federal resolution on financial order between 1951 and 1954.[1] Both were approved by voters.[1]

Background

The January referendum was an optional referendum, and required only a majority of votes in favour. The other four referendums all required double majorities; 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]

Results

January: Extending the federal resolution on housebuilding

Choice Votes %
For 333,878 46.3
Against 387,456 53.7
Blank votes 14,015 –
Invalid votes 1,418 –
Total 736,767 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,394,970 52.8
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

June: Federal budget

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 267,770 35.5 5 2 6
Against 486,381 64.5 14 4 16
Blank votes 15,769 – – – –
Invalid votes 1,202 – – – –
Total 771,122 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,393,317 55.3 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

October: popular initiative banning speculation

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 158,794 27.0 0 0 0
Against 429,091 73.0 19 6 22
Blank votes 22,607 – – – –
Invalid votes 1,311 – – – –
Total 611,803 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,400,891 43.7 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December: Constitutional amendment

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 450,395 67.3 17 6 20
Against 218,541 32.7 2 0 2
Blank votes 110,615 – – – –
Invalid votes 2,140 – – – –
Total 781,691 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,403,731 55.7 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

December: Financial order

Choice Popular vote Cantons
Votes % Full Half Total
For 516,704 69.5 17 6 20
Against 227,131 30.5 2 0 2
Blank votes 35,884 – – – –
Invalid votes 1,989 – – – –
Total 781,708 100 19 6 22
Registered voters/turnout 1,403,731 55.7 – – –
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1914 ISBN 9783832956097
  2. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1891
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