Seven referendums were held in Switzerland during 1958.[1] The first was held on 26 January on a popular initiative "against the abuse of economic power", concerning unfair competition, and was rejected by voters.[1] The second was held on 11 May on the federal budget, and was approved by voters.[1] The third and fourth were held on 6 July on introducing a new section 27ter to the constitution concerning films, and a petition to improve the road network, both of which were approved.[1] The fifth referendum was held on 26 October on instituting a 44-hour working week, and was rejected by voters.[1] The final two were held on 7 December on a constitutional amendment on gambling and approving a treaty with Italy on a hydroelectric power scheme on the River Spöl, with both approved.[1]
Results
January: Unfair competition
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 197,297 | 25.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Against | 550,322 | 74.1 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Blank votes | 17,409 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,365 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 761,393 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,469,853 | 51.8 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
May: Federal budget
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 419,265 | 54.6 | 15 | 5 | 17.5 |
Against | 348,905 | 45.4 | 4 | 1 | 4.5 |
Blank votes | 13,480 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,292 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 782,942 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,471,221 | 53.2 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
July: Constitutional amendment on films
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 362,806 | 61.3 | 18 | 5 | 20.5 |
Against | 229,433 | 38.7 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
Blank votes | 30,285 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,039 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 623,563 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,472,828 | 42.3 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
July: Road network improvements
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 515,396 | 85.0 | 18 | 6 | 21 |
Against | 91,238 | 15.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Blank votes | 17,024 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 935 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 624,593 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,472,828 | 42.4 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
October: 44-hour working week
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 315,790 | 35.0 | 0 | 1 | 0.5 |
Against | 586,818 | 65.0 | 19 | 5 | 21.5 |
Blank votes | 9,112 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,613 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 913,333 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,476,963 | 61.8 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
December: Constitutional amendment on gambling
Choice |
Popular vote |
Cantons |
Votes |
% |
Full |
Half |
Total |
For | 392,620 | 59.9 | 18 | 5 | 20.5 |
Against | 262,905 | 40.1 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
Blank votes | 26,268 | – | – | – | – |
Invalid votes | 1,143 | – | – | – | – |
Total | 682,936 | 100 | 19 | 6 | 22 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,477,043 | 46.2 | – | – | – |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
December: Hydroelectric power treaty with Italy
Choice |
Votes |
% |
For | 501,170 | 75.2 |
Against | 165,473 | 24.8 |
Blank votes | 17,612 | – |
Invalid votes | 1,178 | – |
Total | 685,433 | 100 |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,477,043 | 46.4 |
Source: Nohlen & Stöver |
References