GMO initiative goes to signature recount

A popular initiative to ban genetically modified organisms in food is now in doubt, after falling short of the required number of signatures.

The Federal Chancellery says just over 98,000 signatures were submitted, with only around 96,400 likely to be valid, that’s below the 100,000 needed to trigger a nationwide vote. A recount has been ordered.

The initiative committee insists it collected far more, but blames a verification firm for mixing up signature lists with other campaigns.

Chairman Martin Graf says it’s unclear whether the error was accidental or deliberate, but stresses there’s no evidence of forged signatures.

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