Referenda in Sweden
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Since the introduction of parliamentarism in Sweden six referenda have been held. The Swedish Constitution (1974) provides for binding referenda. However none of the referenda held have been binding but rather of an advisory and consultative nature and not formally binding on the Riksdag. The latest referendum on Adopting the Euro was held on September 14, 2003. The referendum on joining the European Union was held on November 13, 1994.
| Year | Referendum | Participation | Yes | No | Blank | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Adopting the Euro | 82.6% | 42.0% | 55.9% | 2.1% | Reject | |
| 1994 | Joining the European Union | 83.3% | 52.3% | 46.8% | 0.9% | Approve | |
| Year | Referendum | Participation | Alt. 1 | Alt. 2 | Alt. 3 | Blank | Outcome |
| 1980 | Reliance on Nuclear Power | 75.7% | 18.9% | 39.1% | 38.7% | 3.3% | Alternative 2¹ |
| 1957 | Tax Funded Pension System | 72.4% | 45.8% | 15.0% | 35.3% | 3.9% | Alternative 1 |
| Year | Referendum | Participation | Yes | No | Blank | Result | |
| 1955 | Changing from left- to right-hand traffic | 53.0% | 15.5% | 82.9% | 1.6% | Reject² | |
| 1922 | Swedish prohibition referendum, 1922 | 55.1% | 49.1% | 50.9% | - | Reject |
¹ The outcome of the 1980 referendum has been highly debated, as none of the alternatives gained a majority. Alt 1 was a phase-out according to practical considerations, forbidding extension. Alt 2 was the same plus the principle of state-owned power plants and some other issues. Alt 3 was a phase-out within ten years. Parliament ultimately interpreted the result in favour of a phase-out to be completed in 2010 (a date never mentioned in the actual alternatives), although the programs for this have not since been followed.
² In 1963 Parliament anyway passed a government bill resulting in legislation that ordered a change from left-hand traffic. The changeover took place on September 3, 1967.
[edit] Local referenda
Referenda can be held in a municipality about a local political issue. Such referenda are common, and often held in connection with a general election, but also at other times. The municipalities in Sweden have comparatively little power, and can't change laws. Local referenda requesting a law change are sometimes held anyway, and can be seen as political statements towards the government.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Swedish Election Authority - Official site
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Swedish general elections
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