2003 Swiss referendums is a topic that has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. Since its emergence, it has generated intense debate and has aroused great interest among both experts and the general population. Over the years, 2003 Swiss referendums has evolved and taken different forms, adapting to social, political and technological changes. In this article, we will explore in depth the impact of 2003 Swiss referendums on our lives, analyzing its many facets and reflecting on its relevance in contemporary society.
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Eleven referendums were held in Switzerland during 2003. The first two were held on 9 February on federal resolutions on reforming the referendum process and changing the cantonal contribution to financing hospital medication. Both were approved. The last nine were all held on 18 May on two federal laws on the Swiss army and civil defence, and seven popular initiatives; "yes to fair rents", "for one Sunday a season free from motor vehicles–a test for four years", "health has to be affordable", "equal rights for the disabled", "electricity without nuclear power", "for prolonging the ban on new nuclear power stations" and "for a sufficient provision of vocational education". Whilst the two laws were approved, all nine initiatives were rejected by voters.
Month | Question | For | Against | Blank/invalid | Total | Registered voters |
Turnout | Cantons for | Cantons against | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Votes | % | Votes | % | Blank | Invalid | Full | Half | Full | Half | |||||
February | Referendum process | 934,005 | 70.4 | 393,638 | 29.6 | 31,216 | 6,658 | 1,365,517 | 4,755,703 | 28.7 | 20 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Cantonal contribution to hospital medicine | 1,028,673 | 77.4 | 301,128 | 22.6 | 28,735 | 6,818 | 1,365,354 | 28.7 | ||||||
May | Federal law on the army | 1,718,452 | 76.0 | 541,577 | 24.0 | 90,232 | 11,121 | 2,361,382 | 4,764,659 | 49.6 | ||||
Federal law on civil defence | 1,829,339 | 80.6 | 441,498 | 19.4 | 77,179 | 10,861 | 2,358,877 | 49.5 | ||||||
"Yes to fair rents" | 749,388 | 32.7 | 1,540,401 | 67.3 | 61,997 | 10,731 | 2,362,517 | 49.6 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 6 | ||
Motor vehicle-free Sundays | 881,953 | 37.6 | 1,460,794 | 62.4 | 20,247 | 10,193 | 2,373,187 | 49.8 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 | ||
"Health has to be affordable" | 625,073 | 27.1 | 1,682,694 | 72.9 | 48,813 | 10,577 | 2,367,157 | 49.7 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 | ||
"Equal rights for the disabled" | 870,249 | 37.7 | 1,439,893 | 62.3 | 47,178 | 10,563 | 2,367,883 | 49.7 | 3 | 0 | 17 | 6 | ||
"Electricity without nuclear power" | 783,586 | 33.7 | 1,540,566 | 66.3 | 34,412 | 10,538 | 2,369,102 | 49.7 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 5 | ||
Ban on new nuclear power plants | 955,624 | 41.6 | 1,341,673 | 58.4 | 54,914 | 10,864 | 2,363,075 | 49.6 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 4 | ||
Provision of vocational education | 722,931 | 31.6 | 1,564,325 | 68.4 | 63,596 | 10,731 | 2,361,583 | 49.6 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 | ||
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |