Four referendums were held in Switzerland in 1981.[1] The first was held on 5 April on a popular initiative "for a new policy on foreigners." Known as the "Mitenand Initiative", it was rejected by 84% of voters.[2] The next two referendums were held on 14 June on popular initiatives for gender equality and the protection of consumer rights, both of which were approved.[3] The final referendum was held on 29 November on prolonging the federal finance order, and was also approved.[3]
Results
April: New policy on foreigners
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
| For | 252,531 | 16.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Against | 1,304,153 | 83.8 | 20 | 6 | 23 |
| Blank votes | 15,524 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 2,292 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 1,574,500 | 100 | 20 | 6 | 23 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 3,947,890 | 39.9 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
June: Gender equality
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
| For | 797,702 | 60.3 | 14 | 3 | 15.5 |
| Against | 525,885 | 39.7 | 6 | 3 | 7.5 |
| Blank votes | 17,312 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 2,702 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 1,343,601 | 100 | 20 | 6 | 23 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 3,958,455 | 33.9 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
| For | 858,012 | 65.5 | 18 | 4 | 20 |
| Against | 450,994 | 34.5 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Blank votes | 29,949 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 2,605 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 1,341,560 | 100 | 20 | 6 | 23 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 3,958,455 | 33.9 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
November: Financial order
| Choice | Popular vote | Cantons |
| Votes | % | Full | Half | Total |
| For | 818,327 | 69.0 | 20 | 6 | 23 |
| Against | 368,508 | 31.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Blank votes | 18,598 | – | – | – | – |
| Invalid votes | 1,616 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 1,207,049 | 100 | 20 | 6 | 23 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 3,976,769 | 30.4 | – | – | – |
| Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
References
- ^ Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, pp1927–1928 ISBN 9783832956097
- ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p1927
- ^ a b Nohlen & Stöver, p1928