Preliminary results show Swiss voters rejecting stricter neutrality rules

Preliminary results in Sunday’s Swiss referendum showed a clear majority of voters rejecting a proposal to enshrine stricter neutrality rules in the country’s Constitution.

Early results showed 69.99% voting against the "Safeguard Swiss neutrality" initiative, while 30.01% backed it.

Results broken down by the country’s cantons – which play a role in the overall vote – mirrored the rejection, as "no" votes have a clear lead in 24 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, while counting continues for the remaining two.

The cantons that rejected the proposal include the capital Bern, as well as Geneva, plus Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel Landschaft, Fribourg, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Lucerne, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, St Gallen, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, and Zug.

Voter turnout for the referendum stood at 47.14%.

To pass, the initiative had to secure a majority of both voters nationwide and Switzerland's cantons.

The initiative sought to enshrine "perpetual and armed" neutrality in the Constitution and restrict Switzerland from cooperating with military alliances or imposing sanctions on warring states, except for UN sanctions and measures.

The Federal Council and parliament opposed the initiative, arguing that it would restrict Switzerland's maneuvering room in protecting its security, independence, and prosperity.

Supporters argued that constitutional safeguards are needed to protect the country's neutrality from external pressure and preserve its credibility as a mediator and provider of good offices.