At stake in this Referendum:

• Voters will vote in three referendums regarding the abolishment of mandatory military service, the revision of the Epidemics Act, and the liberalization of opening times of petrol stations.

Description of government structure:

• Chief of State: President Ulrich "Ueli" MAURER *
• Head of Government: President Ulrich "Ueli" MAURER
• Assembly: Switzerland has a bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung/Assemblée Fédérale/Assemblea Federale) consisting of the Council of States (Standerat/Conseil des Etats/ Consiglio degli Stati) with 46 seats* and the National Council (Nationalrat/Conseil National/Consiglio Nazionale) with 200 seats**.

* The Federal Presidency rotates among the 7 members of the Federal Council, which is the formal chief of state. Presently the Federal Council consists of Doris LEUTHARD, Eveline WIDMER-SCHLUMPF, Ueli MAURER, Didier BURKHALTER, Simonetta SOMMARUGA, Johan SCHNEIDER—AMMANN, and Alain BERSET.

* Single-member districts correspond to the former half-cantons whereas two-seat districts correspond to former full cantons. The electoral system is a two round system, with exception of Jura and Neuchâtel, where it is proportional representation.

** Seats are apportioned to each canton in proportion to its population. Voters have the option of panachage. The electoral system is proportional representation.

Main provisions in the Referendum:

• Do you want to accept the popular initiative "Yes to an end to compulsory military service"? The Initiative seeks to end compulsory military service, and replace it with voluntary military service. Both the National Council and Council of States have recommended rejection of the popular initiative.
• Do you want to accept the Federal Act of 28 September 2012 on Combating Communicable Human Diseases (Epidemics Act, EpidA)? The Epidemics Act has been amended by the Federal Council to improve protection of the population against health risks.
• Do you want to accept the amendment of 14 December 2012 to the Act on Employment in Business, Trade and Industry (Employment Act, EmpA)? The proposal would allow petrol stations on busy roads and motorway service stations to employ staff around the clock, so long as the goods and services are geared to the needs of travelers.

Population and number of registered voters:

• Population: 8,089,346 (2013)
• Registered Voters: 5,139,055 (March 2012)

Gender Data:

·         Female Population: 4,091,510 (2013)

·         Is Switzerland a signatory to CEDAW: Yes (23 January 1987)

·         Has Switzerland ratified CEDAW: Yes (27 March 1997)

·         Gender Quota: No

·         Female candidates in this election: N/A

·         Number of Female Parliamentarians: 57 (National Council); 9 (Council of States) following the 2011 elections

·         Human Development Index Position: 3 (2014)

·         Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) Categorization: N/A

Disability Data:

·         Is Switzerland a signatory to CRPD: No

·         Has Switzerland ratified CRPD: Yes, accession (15 April 2014)

·         Population with a disability: 1,213,401 (est.)