(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The outcome of a referendum on whether Switzerland should ban the export of some weapons and war materiel is uncertain, according to a poll by the GfS Research Institute released by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. 41 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of the ban in the November plebiscite, while 44 per cent would vote against it.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – The outcome of a referendum on whether Switzerland should ban the export of some weapons and war materiel is uncertain, according to a poll by the GfS Research Institute released by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. 41 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of the ban in the November plebiscite, while 44 per cent would vote against it.
Since 1959, Switzerland has formed its government under a power-sharing agreement known as the "Magic Formula." The country’s four major political parties are represented in the seven-post cabinet. Presidents are elected by the Assembly for one-year terms from the pool of cabinet members. The president remains a member of the cabinet and does not hold any extra powers
Within the frame of Switzerland’s direct-democracy system, a group of citizens or leaders of the eight cantons together can call a referendum to challenge a law approved by the federal legislature. The vote is decided with a simple majority.
A group of left-leaning political parties and non-governmental organizations is championing the idea that Switzerland should ban all export of weapons and war materiel, with the exception of demining systems and those designed for civil protection.
The rationale behind the proposal is that Swiss arms and ammunition are being used to kill innocent people. At the same time, the organizations favouring the ban think that funds that are currently provided to the military could be used instead to provide health care, education and other essential needs overseas.
On Oct. 19, Swiss economy minister Doris Leuthard explained the current government’s opposition to the initiative, declaring that 5,100 jobs would be lost, and adding, "Approximately 35 per cent of our production of armament is destined to the needs of our army. It would be impossible to maintain an armament industry in Switzerland without exports. If the initiative is approved, our dependence on foreign [sources] in case of crisis would grow."
The referendum is scheduled for Nov. 29.
Polling Data
If the vote on enacting a ban on the export of weapons and war materiel, with the exception of demining systems and those designed for civil protection, were held tomorrow, how would you vote?
|
In favour |
41% |
|
Against |
44% |
|
Not sure |
15% |
Source: GfS Research Institute / Swiss Broadcasting Corporation
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,207 Swiss adults, conducted from Oct. 13 to Oct. 17, 2009. Margin of error is 2.9 per cent.
