Referendum could cap Switzerland population to 10 million

Voters in Switzerland are casting final ballots Sunday on an initiative championed by the top right-wing party to cap the rich Alpine country's population at 10 million.

A "yes" vote could mean the government would be forced to restrict asylum, family reunification and residency permits, and may have to scrap Switzerland's EU deal on the free movement of people if the population reaches 9.5 million before 2050.

Recent polling suggest that it could be a close contest.While the federal government and Parliament oppose the idea.

The Swiss People's Party put forward the "sustainability initiative" measure, saying Swiss infrastructure, housing, social programs, natural resources and way of life have been strained by demographic growth.

The party has the most seats in parliament, has been fostering anti-migration sentiment over the years, notably about an influx of workers from the neighboring European Union.