Votes that caused high voter turnout

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On December 6, 1992, following a heated campaign, Swiss voters rejected joining the European Economic Area (EEA), or free market, by 50.3%. Turnout was 78.7%, the highest rate in 69 years. swissinfo.ch

The then Swiss People’s Party leader, Christoph Blocher, launched the campaign against joining the EEA. Keystone

On October 20, 1974, the Swiss population threw out the initiative against “overforeignisation and the overpopulation of Switzerland” (75.8%). This had been launched by the conservative National Action Party. Voter turnout was 70.3%. swissinfo.ch

Posters for and against overforeignisation. It was the third time that the electorate had been called upon to vote on a proposal to limit immigration. All of them were rejected, but the law was tightened nonetheless. Keystone

On November 26, 1989, Switzerland decided against the initiative “For a Switzerland without an army and for a global policy of peace”. But 35.6% voters were in favour, an unexpected result which contributed to a reform of the army. Turnout was 69.2%. swissinfo.ch

The Group for Switzerland without an Army, which was behind the initiative, demonstrating on the square in front of parliament on October 21,1989. Keystone

The Swiss population rejected the “the implementation of the expulsion of criminal foreigners” (the enforcement initiative) launched by the Swiss People’s Party thanks to a strong mobilisation by civil society and political circles. Turnout was 63%. swissinfo.ch

Enforcement initiative supporters handing in the signatures they gathered to the Federal Chancellery on December 28, 2012. Keystone

The issue of whether Switzerland should join the United Nations brought out 58.4% of the electorate on March 3, 2002. Launched by an interparty committee, the people’s initiative was accepted by 54.6%. swissinfo.ch

A demonstration in favour of Switzerland joining the UN – in Bern on March 6, 2000. Keystone

On June 5, 2005, two sensitive topics came up for vote: the Schengen and Dublin accords – accepted by 54.6% of voters – and the new law on registered partnerships for gay couples – approved by 58% of voters. Voter turnout was 56.6% and 56.5% respectively. swissinfo.ch

Gay rights’ supporters celebrating the yes vote in favour of registered partnerships on June 5, 2012. Keystone

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With around 63% of voters participating, February 28, 2016, saw the highest turnout in Switzerland since the 1992 ballot on whether to join the European Economic Area (EEA). Why? The answer lies in two votes on sensitive topics: enforcing the deportation of convicted foreigners and building another road tunnel through the Gotthard massif in the Swiss Alps.

Voter turnout has been nearing record levels, at least since women gained the vote in 1971. One contributory factor was the mobilisation of civil society. Over the past months, opponents pushed hard for the rejection of the initiative to expel criminal foreigners, as put forward by the conservative right Swiss People’s Party. Other driving forces were the Gotthard road tunnel vote and various cantonal elections.

Over the past 45 years, the Swiss population has regularly turned out en masse to vote on topics linked to foreigners or the European Union. swissinfo.ch brings you a pictorial overview of the votes that have sparked the most interest among the Swiss electorate.

(Text: Stefania Summermatter; Image selection: Thomas Kern)