Swiss voters decide Sunday whether to tighten the country’s constitutional neutrality policy. If approved, the initiative would bar Switzerland from imposing sanctions on countries that start wars, except for UN sanctions, while allowing business with them to continue as usual.
The initiative, put forward by Pro Schweiz, would also keep Switzerland out of armed conflicts and require it to close its territory to warring parties. Neutrality has been enshrined in the Swiss Constitution since 1848. Pro Schweiz has close ties to the right-wing populist Swiss People’s Party.
Supporters say stricter neutrality would make Switzerland safer and strengthen its credibility as a neutral mediator. Opponents say countries cannot hide behind neutrality and treat perpetrators and victims equally. Polls suggest the initiative is likely to be rejected. Polling stations close at noon (1000 GMT), with the result expected about an hour later; more than 90% of voters usually cast ballots by mail in advance.
