Description

Switzerland gives its citizens the chance to play a direct part in political decision-making. Although direct democracy is not unique to Switzerland, it is probably more highly developed here than in any other country. Swiss citizens can either propose legislation of their own, or work to defeat legislation already approved by parliament.

A referendum is a nationwide vote called to challenge a piece of legislation already approved by parliament. If a group opposed to the new law manages to collect at least 50,000 signatures within 100 days of the official publication of the proposed legislation, it is again put to a nationwide vote. Such a vote is mandatory if the legislation involves an amendment to the constitution or if the government is proposing that Switzerland sign a major international agreement.

About 5.2 million Swiss citizens, including registered members of the Swiss Abroad community, were eligible to take part in the February 12, 2017 ballot. Votes on a broad range of issues, as well as elections, also took place in many cantons and municipalities across the country.

It was the first in a series of up to four nationwide ballots this year. Citizens were deciding about:

1-corporate tax reform: rejected (40,9% YES- 69,9% NO)

2-citizenship:accepted (60,4% YES-39,6% NO)

3-road traffic funding:accepted (61,9%-38,1% NO)