Swiss voters cast ballots in referendum on stricter neutrality

Swiss voters head to the polls today, Sunday, to cast their ballots in a referendum on whether to apply the country’s entrenched policy of neutrality more strictly.

Neutrality has been enshrined in the Swiss Constitution since 1848, but the initiative seeks to establish a stricter formulation of this principle.

If approved, Switzerland would not only refrain from participating in armed conflicts and closing its borders to warring parties in the future, but would also cease imposing sanctions on countries that have started a war, such as Russia. Exceptions would apply to United Nations sanctions.

Business would continue as usual, including with countries that have started a war.

Opponents argue that in the modern world, a country cannot hide behind neutrality and treat perpetrators and victims equally.

Polls suggest the initiative is likely to be rejected. Polling stations will close at 12:00 noon (10:00 GMT), with results expected to become clear about an hour later.

Normally, more than 90% of Swiss voters cast their ballots in advance by mail.