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How Swiss direct democracy works

What do direct democratic tools like popular initiatives and referendums really entail? And how has this unique system evolved over time?

The first votes took place more than 100 years ago, and to this day Swiss citizens are regularly called to the ballot box to decide on local, regional and national issues. Read more: When Switzerland clipped its army’s wings Another form of voting is the mandatory referendum which must be held if the government and parliament seek to amend the constitution or join international organisations such as the European Union or NATO. In 2013, for example, a mandatory referendum aiming to harmonise family policies across Switzerland was not accepted despite winning 54.3% of the popular vote because it did not gain the support of a majority of cantons.

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