Since the introduction of parliamentarism in Sweden, six national referendums have been held. Legal provisions for referendums were introduced in 1922, one year after the adoption of universal suffrage. The Constitution of Sweden provides for binding referendums (concerning changes to the constitution), but all referendums held as of 2012 have been non-binding. The latest referendum, on adopting the euro, was held on 14 September 2003.

The Riksdag decides if a referendum is to be held, when it is held, and the wording of the issue on the ballot. Riksdag also interprets the results (sometimes the outcome is not clear cut, e.g. the nuclear power referendum of 1980). Ahead of the 1980, 1994 and 2003 referendums, all the parties with seats in the Riksdag promised to follow the outcome of the vote.

There were no alternatives in favor of expanding or retaining the then-current level of use of nuclear power. In spite of this, the Government Chancellery of Sweden writes that alternative 3 was seen as a "no" to nuclear power and alternatives 1 and 2 were seen as "yes" to nuclear power. All parties with seats in the Riksdag promised to follow the outcome of the vote.

Municipal referendums

Referendums can be held in a municipality about a local political issue. Such referendums are common, and often held in connection with a general election. There has been up to ten annual municipal referendums. Since 1994 citizens can collect signatures about having a referendum, then with enough number of signatures, the municipality has decide if there shall be one or not. The municipalities in Sweden have comparatively little legislative power, and can't change laws. Local referendums requesting a law change are sometimes held anyway, as political statements to the central government. A well known Swedish municipal referendum is the 1988 Sjöbo referendum where the voters passed a motion to stop refugees seeking asylum from being given housing in the municipality.

See also

  • Election Authority

References

  • Swedish Election Authority - Official site