Switzerland is holding a referendum on a proposal by far-right forces to amend the Constitution to ban wearing clothing that hides the face, Reuters reported.

According to forecasts, from 48% to 52% of voters will vote for the amendments.

The proposal does not directly mention Islam, and a proposal was also put forward to ban street protesters from wearing masks, but local politicians, media, and agitators dubbed this a ban on wearing the burqa.

The proposal was made even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced adults to wear masks to prevent the spread of infection.

Almost no one in Switzerland wears a burqa, and only about 30 women wear a niqab, according to the University of Lucerne. Muslims make up 5% of the Swiss population of 8.6 million.

Muslims in Switzerland say right-wing parties used the vote to demonize them and rally supporters.