Switzerland
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral district.
Source: Constitution Art.149
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 10:02:59 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
e. Not applicable
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral district.
Source: Constitution, Art.149
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 10:03:27 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral district.
Source: Constitution, Art.149
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:47:32 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral district.
Source: Constitution, Art.149
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:47:57 GMT
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Nadja Braun
b. Job Title: Legal adviser
c. Organisation: Federal Chancellery, Section of Political Rights
d. Contact Address. Bundeshaus West, CH-3003 Bern
e. Telephone: +41 (0)31 322 83 25
f. Facsimile: +41 (0)31 322 58 43
g. Email: nadja.braun@bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:08:16 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
b. Optional referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
Source: Art. 138-141 Federal Constitution (FC, SR 101) Available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c101.html (French, German, Italian) and: http://www.admin.ch/ch/itl/rs/1/index.htm (Arabic, English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish. Only the French, German and Italian versions are constantly updated)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:12:36 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Source: - Art. 138-141 FC - Federal law on Political Rights (FLP, SR 161.1), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_1.html (French, German, Italian = updated versions) and http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/rs/c161_1.html (English) - Federal order on Political Rights (FOP, SR 161.11), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_11.html (F, G, I) - Federal law on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.5), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_5.html (F, G, I) - Federal order on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.51), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_51.html (F, G, I)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:14:12 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Source: - Art. 138-141 FC - Federal law on Political Rights (FLP, SR 161.1), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_1.html (French, German, Italian = updated versions) and http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/rs/c161_1.html (English) - Federal order on Political Rights (FOP, SR 161.11), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_11.html (F, G, I) - Federal law on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.5), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_5.html (F, G, I) - Federal order on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.51), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_51.html (F, G, I)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:15:20 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Source: - Art. 138-141 FC - Federal law on Political Rights (FLP, SR 161.1), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_1.html (French, German, Italian = updated versions) and http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/rs/c161_1.html (English) - Federal order on Political Rights (FOP, SR 161.11), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_11.html (F, G, I) - Federal law on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.5), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_5.html (F, G, I) - Federal order on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.51), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_51.html (F, G, I)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:16:14 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:16:41 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:16:54 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Comments: Not clear what is meant by administrative requirements. The required number of signatures and the time during which the signatures have to be collected for instance are laid down in the constitution, whereas the requirements for the signature lists (what information they have to contain) are laid down in the Federal law on Political Rights.
Source: - Art. 138-141 FC - Federal law on Political Rights (FLP, SR 161.1), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_1.html (French, German, Italian = updated versions) and http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/rs/c161_1.html (English) - Federal order on Political Rights (FOP, SR 161.11), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_11.html (F, G, I) - Federal law on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.5), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_5.html (F, G, I) - Federal order on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.51), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_51.html (F, G, I)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:18:33 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Comments: Not clear what is meant by administrative requirements. The required number of signatures and the time during which the signatures have to be collected for instance are laid down in the constitution, whereas the requirements for the signature lists (what information they have to contain) are laid down in the Federal law on Political Rights.
Source: - Art. 138-141 FC - Federal law on Political Rights (FLP, SR 161.1), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_1.html (French, German, Italian = updated versions) and http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/rs/c161_1.html (English) - Federal order on Political Rights (FOP, SR 161.11), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_11.html (F, G, I) - Federal law on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.5), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_5.html (F, G, I) - Federal order on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.51), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_51.html (F, G, I)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:19:29 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Comments: Not clear what is meant by administrative requirements. The required number of signatures and the time during which the signatures have to be collected for instance are laid down in the constitution, whereas the requirements for the signature lists (what information they have to contain) are laid down in the Federal law on Political Rights.
Source: - Art. 138-141 FC - Federal law on Political Rights (FLP, SR 161.1), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_1.html (French, German, Italian = updated versions) and http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/rs/c161_1.html (English) - Federal order on Political Rights (FOP, SR 161.11), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_11.html (F, G, I) - Federal law on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.5), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_5.html (F, G, I) - Federal order on Political Rights of Swiss living and staying abroad (SR 161.51), available online: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c161_51.html (F, G, I)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:20:47 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:49:27 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:49:45 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
b. Sample of signatures checked
Comments: All signatures are checked by the municipality where the signatories are registered. The signatures are also checked on federal level by the Federal Chancellery. Usually (if there are far enough signatures, e.g. 200000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery does only a sample control. If the number of signatures is very close (e.g. 105000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery checkes signatures more closely.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:42:03 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
b. Sample of signatures checked
Comments: All signatures are checked by the municipality where the signatories are registered. The signatures are also checked on federal level by the Federal Chancellery. Usually (if there are far enough signatures, e.g. 200000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery does only a sample control. If the number of signatures is very close (e.g. 105000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery checkes signatures more closely.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 13:52:52 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:44:10 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
c. Local authorities
Comments: Cf. answer to question E.7
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:45:10 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: The Federal Chancellery issues a voters pamphlet before each vote.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:45:57 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: The Federal Chancellery issues a voters pamphlet before each vote.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:46:16 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:46:33 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
a. Information booklets
f. Website
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:47:13 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:21:48 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
a. Information booklets
f. Website
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:47:32 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:50:01 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
g. None
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:50:31 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:50:48 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:51:07 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:51:30 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:52:06 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:52:28 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:52:55 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:53:12 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:21:58 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:53:27 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
c. Free publication space in information document
Comments: The initiative or referendum committee is granted space (one page) in the official voters pamphlet.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:54:07 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
c. Free publication space in information document
Comments: The initiative or referendum committee is granted space (one page) in the official voters pamphlet.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:57:48 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:58:14 UTC
DD125 Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
a. Yes
Comments: The Government recommends whether the initiative or referendum should be accepted or rejected. The Government is not actually allowed to campaign, but its its duty to give information to the voters The fact that in the Swiss Government, the major 4 political parties are represented ensures that the information for the voters is as non-partisan as possible. However, the Government is allowed to indicate the reasons for his support or rejection of the issue that is put to vote.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:59:11 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
a. None
Last updated: 2005-08-19 12:59:39 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1848, 1949, 1977
b. Optional referendum 1874, 1921
c. Citizens' initiative 1848, 1891, 2003
Comments: a.) 1848: Introduction of mandatory constitutional referendum 1949: introduction of mandatory referendum for urgent, general federal decrees which are not based on the constitution 1977: introduction of mandatory referendum on international treaties for accession to international organisations b.) 1874: Introduction of optional legislative referendum 1921: introduction of optional referendum on international treaties; extended in 2003 c.) 1848: Introduction of the initiative for total revision of the constitution 1891: introduction of the popular initiative for a partial revision of the constitution 2003: introduction of the general popular initiative
Source: Kaufmann, Bruno, et. al. (Ed.): Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond, Amsterdam 2005 (cf. www.iri-europe.org), p. 143-145
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:30:15 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1848
b. Optional referendum 1874
c. Citizens' initiative 1848
Comments: Not clear what is meant by administrative framework
Source: Kaufmann, Bruno, et. al. (Ed.): Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond, Amsterdam 2005 (cf. www.iri-europe.org), p. 143-145
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:31:22 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
a. Government (specify department)
e. Other (specify who)
Comments: a.) Section of Political Rights in the Federal Chancellery. The Federal Chancellery is the central staff office of the Federal Council (Executive). The Political Rights section advises initiative and referendum committees, verifies petition lists, formally examines popular initiatives, organises federal votes and elections to the National Council and deals with complaints relating to votes and elections. The section is also working on the introduction of electronic voting (e-voting). e.) The cantons. The organisation of federal votes and elections to the National Council are organised jointly with the Cantons.
Source: Legal: Art. 59a, 66, 67a, 67b FLP (responsibility of the Federal Chancellery with regard to optional referendums) Art. 69, 71, 72 FLP (responsibility of the Federal Chancellery with regard to citizens initiative) Art. 10, 11, 14, 15 FLP (who does what in federal votes), For further information: www.admin.ch (Website of the Federal Authorities of the Swiss confederation. F, G, E, I, Rumantsch), http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/bk/chanc/index.html (Website of the Federal Chancellery. F, G, E, I, R) and http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/pore/index.html (Website of the Section of Political Rights. F, G, E, I, R) For printed publications on Switzerland cf: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/bk/order/index.html
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:34:09 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Comments: Similar distribution of tasks between the Federal Chancellery and the Cantons as with regard to federal votes.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:35:06 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which know different direct democratic instruments.
Source: Legal sources: cf. Constitutions, Laws and Regulations of the 26 cantons. Links to the cantons: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/schweiz/kantone/index.html. Kaufmann, Bruno, et. al. (Ed.): Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond, Amsterdam 2005 (cf. www.iri-europe.org), p. 132-135
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:36:25 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which know different direct democratic instruments
Source: Legal sources: cf. Constitutions, Laws and Regulations of the 26 cantons. Links to the cantons: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/schweiz/kantone/index.html. Kaufmann, Bruno, et. al. (Ed.): Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond, Amsterdam 2005 (cf. www.iri-europe.org), p. 132-135
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:37:09 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which know different direct democratic instruments
Source: Legal sources: cf. Constitutions, Laws and Regulations of the 26 cantons. Links to the cantons: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/schweiz/kantone/index.html. Kaufmann, Bruno, et. al. (Ed.): Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond, Amsterdam 2005 (cf. www.iri-europe.org), p. 132-135
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:37:59 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:38:24 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
b. Yes, in some regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which know different direct democratic instruments
Source: Legal sources: cf. Constitutions, Laws and Regulations of the 26 cantons. Links to the cantons: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/schweiz/kantone/index.html. Kaufmann, Bruno, et. al. (Ed.): Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond, Amsterdam 2005 (cf. www.iri-europe.org), p. 132-135
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:39:22 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has appr. 3000 communes which all know different forms of direct democratic instruments
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:40:36 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has appr. 3000 communes which all know different forms of direct democratic instruments
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:40:55 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has appr. 3000 communes which all know different forms of direct democratic instruments.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:41:17 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:41:44 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
b. Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has appr. 3000 communes which all know different forms of direct democratic instruments.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:42:04 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
f. Devolution
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
j. Other (specify)
Comments: A mandatory referendum has to be held on the following issues: - revisions of the Federal Constitution; - The entry into organizations for collective security or into supranational communities; - Federal Statutes declared urgent which have no constitutional basis and whose validity exceeds one year - Popular initiatives for total revision of the Federal Constitution; - Popular initiatives for partial revision of the Federal Constitution in the form of a general suggestion which were rejected by the Federal Parliament; - The question whether a total revision of the Constitution should be carried out if both Chambers disagree. Note that there is no restriction with regard to the topic of a constitutional provision. As long as the provision that is being changed is on the constitutional level, a referendum is mandatory.
Source: Art. 140 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:43:49 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
j. Other (specify)
Comments: An optional referendum can be held on: - Federal Statutes; - Federal Statutes declared urgent with a validity exceeding one year; - Federal decrees to the extent the Constitution or the statute foresee this; - International treaties which: 1) are of unlimited duration and may not be terminated; 2) provide for the entry into an international organization; 3) involve an adaptation of Federal statutes. Note that there is no restriction with regard to topics on which an optional referendum may be held. Each topic that is dealt with in a Federal Statute (law) may be subject to an optional referendum.
Source: Art. 141 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:45:07 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
k. None
Comments: Cf. comments on B 1.1 and B 2.1.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:46:12 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
d. Other (specify)
Comments: d.) Change of cantonal boarders.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:46:53 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
e. Registered electors
f. Other (specify)
Comments: An optional referendum is always initiative by registered electors; a mandatory referendum does not need an initiator; it has to be held because this is laid down in the constitution.
Source: Art. 138-141 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:47:28 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
a. Government (specify department)
e. Registered electors
Comments: a.) Federal Council The referendum question has to contain the title of the constitutional amendment or the Federal Statute. The question-scheme is always the same: Do you want to accept the Federal Statute XYZ? the voter can then indicate Yes or No If the mandatory referendum is being held because of a popular initiative, the title of the initiative which is repeated the referendum question is chosen by the registered electors who started the initiative. In that respect, the referendum question is in fact chosen by the initiative committee (however, cf. answer to question C.5 for possible restrictions on initiative titles).
Source: The principle of how the question has to look like follows from the principle of free suffrage. The voter has to be able to express his/her vote in a free manner, which means (amongst other things) that it has to be clear what the voter means by voting Yes or No. The principle of free suffrage is laid down in Art. 136 FC. The question always relates to the proposed change in a way that if the answer is Yes, the change is accepted; if the answer is No, the status quo is kept.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:51:27 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
a. Government (specify department)
Comments: a.) Federal Council The referendum question has to contain the title of the constitutional amendment or the Federal Statute. The question-scheme is always the same: Do you want to accept the Federal Statute XYZ? the voter can then indicate Yes or No. If the mandatory referendum is being held because of a popular initiative, the title of the initiative which is repeated the referendum question is chosen by the registered electors who started the initiative. In that respect, the referendum question is in fact chosen by the initiative committee (however, cf. answer to question C.5 for possible restrictions on initiative titles).
Source: The principle of how the question has to look like follows from the principle of free suffrage. The voter has to be able to express his/her vote in a free manner, which means (amongst other things) that it has to be clear what the voter means by voting Yes or No. The principle of free suffrage is laid down in Art. 136 FC. The question always relates to the proposed change in a way that if the answer is Yes, the change is accepted; if the answer is No, the status quo is kept
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:52:32 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
c. An explanatory text
d. The full text of the proposal
Comments: The full text as well as explanatory text are not part of the referendum question itself, but they have to be in the accompanying material to the referendum question.
Source: Art. 10 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:53:38 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
c. An explanatory text
d. The full text of the proposal
Comments: The full text as well as explanatory text are not part of the referendum question itself, but they have to be in the accompanying material to the referendum question.
Source: Art. 10 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:54:40 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
a. Government
e. Other (specify who)
Comments: a.) Federal Council Not clear what is meant by ballot text. In case of an initiative or optional referendum, the initiating committee must inform the Federal Council of their arguments and the Federal Council must take such arguments into account in its explanatory statement.
Source: Art. 11 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 08:58:44 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
a. Government
e. Other (specify who)
Comments: a.) Federal Council. Not clear what is meant by ballot text In case of an initiative or optional referendum, the initiating committee must inform the Federal Council of their arguments and the Federal Council must take such arguments into account in its explanatory statement.
Source: Art. 11 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:05:18 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
c. No quorum required X
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:05:46 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
c. No quorom required X
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:06:04 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
c. Double majority (simple majority overall plus simple majority in certain number of first tier authorities) (specify below)
Comments: A majority of the people and a majority of the cantons is required for mandatory referendums on revisions of the Federal constitution, the entry into organizations for collective security or into supranational communities, federal statues declared urgent which have no constitutional basis and whose validity exceeds one year. Note that not all mandatory referendums require a double majority
Source: Art. 140 and 142 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 13:38:50 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Comments: A majority of the people and a majority of the cantons is required for mandatory referendums on revisions of the Federal constitution, the entry into organizations for collective security or into supranational communities, federal statues declared urgent which have no constitutional basis and whose validity exceeds one year.
Source: Art. 140 and 142 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:20:15 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
g. None
Last updated: 2005-08-19 13:39:14 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: Art. 142 an 195 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:21:52 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: Art. 142 an 195 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:22:17 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Legislative proposals
Comments: The new general initiative, introduced in the FC in 2003, will allow a new form of initiative in the form of a general proposal. It will then be up to Parliament to decide whether the implementation of the initiative will take place on Constitutional level and/or in the form of a (new) law. The general initiative is not yet available; first a revision of the FLP and other laws will have to take place.
Source: Art. 138-139 of the Federal Constitution
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:22:53 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:23:16 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
j. Other (specify)
Comments: If an initiative does not respect the principle of unity of form, the principle of unity of subject matter, or mandatory rules of international law, the Federal Parliament shall declare the initiative invalid, in whole or in part.
Source: Art. 139 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:24:00 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 13:39:33 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
Comments: The initiative committee has to consist of a minimum of seven and a maximum of 27 authors of the initiative, all of whom must be eligible to vote
Source: Art. 68 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:26:00 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:26:18 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
a. Proposed title
c. Full proposed text
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:26:46 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
a. Proponents of the initiative
Comments: The proponents decide about the title. The Federal Chancellery may only check whether the title is misleading, or if it contains commercial advertising or personal publicity or gives rise to confusion. In that case (and only in that case), the title has to be amended by the Federal Chancellery.
Source: Art. 69 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 13:40:16 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:28:06 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
a. Inconsistency with proposed content
b. Commercial statement
f. More than one subject area
Comments: The proponents decide about the title. The Federal Chancellery may only check whether the title is misleading, or if it contains commercial advertising or personal publicity or gives rise to confusion. In that case (and only in that case), the title has to be amended by the Federal Chancellery.
Source: Art. 69 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:28:52 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
c. Translating the title and/or text into other languages
Source: Art. 69 FLP
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:29:49 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
c. Other (specify)
Comments: Cf. answer to question C2. The check is not a constitutionality or legality check in the strict sense. Since the initiative may propose a new constitutional article, it would be nonsense to check whether this article is in accordance with the existing constitution. In most cases it is not! The text can only be checked of compatibility with a few principles that are regarded as higher than the constitution.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:30:39 UTC
DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
d. Legislature
Comments: Cf. answer to questions C2 and C8.1
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:31:17 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
c. After its submission but before the vote on the initiative
Comments: Cf. answer to questions C2
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:35:47 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
d. Legislature
Comments: Since the parliament has legislative power, it can always propose a new law or constitutional amendment; hence it can also suggest a counter proposal to the initiative.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:36:30 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
a. After the initiative is initially registered
b. After the required signatures are verified
Comments: The parliament can start drafting a new law/constitutional amendment whenever it wants. However, only after the declaration of validity of the initiative, the parliaments draft can be called counter proposal
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:37:07 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
b. Both the initiative and the alternative proposal are qualified for the ballot, and are put to a vote on the same day
Source: Art. 139 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:37:39 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
a. To accept both proposals
b. To accept one proposal only
c. To reject both proposals
d. To specify his/her preferred proposal if both are passed
Comments: We call this voting system the double yes vote. The voter can answer three questions. First of all whehter he/she wants to accept the initaitive. Secondly, whether he/she wants to accept the alternative proposal. And finally, which of the two he/she prefers in the deciding question. But of course the voter may also only just accept one proposal and leave out the other questions etc.
Source: Art. 139 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:38:38 UTC
DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
a. Proponents of the initiative
Comments: The final ballot text consists of the title of the initiative.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:39:10 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
a. Within a certain time limit (specify)
Comments: The vote has to take place within 10 months after the decision of Parliament about whether they want to recommend the acceptance or rejection of the initiative. The Parliament has to issue its recommendation within 30 months after the deposit of the initiative (Parliament can decide to prolong the delay by one year if they want to put forward a counter proposal). If the Parliament does not reach agreement on its recommendation, the vote takes place the latest 10 months after the delay for the Parliament has expired.
Source: Art. 74 FLP and Art. 97, 100 and 105 of the Law of Parliament (Parlamentsgesetz, SR 171.1: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c171_10.html)
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:40:12 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:40:44 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:41:34 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:41:58 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:42:19 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:43:00 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number 50 000
b. Proportion of the electorate 1%
c. Proportion of the vote at the most recent election 2.3%
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:43:58 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number 100 000
b. Proportion of the electorate 2%
c. Proportion of the vote at the most recent election 4.6%
Last updated: 2005-08-19 09:44:43 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:20:19 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:30:41 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: a.) 100 days
Source: Art. 138, 139 and 141 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:32:25 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: a.) 18 months
Source: Art. 138, 139 and 141 FC
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:33:04 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:33:28 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:34:50 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
a. Signatories must be registered
b. Signatories must be registered electors in a specific electoral district
Comments: On one list there must be only signatories who are registered in the same municipality. There may be lists for each municipality of course.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:35:31 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
a. Signatories must be registered
b. Signatories must be registered electors in a specific electoral district
Comments: On one list there must be only signatories who are registered in the same municipality. There may be lists for each municipality of course.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:36:26 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:36:56 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:37:21 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:38:45 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:40:01 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
a. Anywhere
Comments: Signature collection in public areas may be restricted or available only with prior application.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:42:45 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
a. Anywhere
e. Electronically
Comments: Signature collection in public areas may be restricted or available only with prior application. e.) Electronic signature is not possible yet, but signature lists for initiatives may be downloaded from the Internet (the Fed. Chancellerys website), printed and then signed.
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:41:50 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:43:19 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:43:35 UTC
DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:43:57 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
d. None
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:44:27 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
d. None
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:47:06 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:47:18 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:47:32 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:48:01 UTC
DD98 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
b. Ban on payment per signature
Comments: There is no ban on payment of those who collect signatures. But the payment of those who sign the initiative is forbidden!!
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:48:37 UTC
DD99 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
b. Ban on payment per signature
Comments: There is no ban on payment of those who collect signatures. But the payment of those who sign the initiative is forbidden!!
Last updated: 2005-08-19 10:48:59 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Swiss Federal Chancellery
b. Full Address Bundeshaus West
c. Telephone +41(0)31 322 37 49
d. Facsimile +41(0)31 322 58 43
e. Email hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
f. Website Address www.admin.ch
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Dr. Hans-Urs Wili, Head of the Section of political rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery.
h. Information Officer Hansruedi Moser, Head of the Information Office, Swiss Federal Chancellery
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections German, French and Italian languages.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 13:26:53 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
Comments: Previously, Swiss EMB has had the responsibility to organize both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo-elections for foreign refugee people in Switzerland.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:02:28 UTC
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
c. The legislature
d. A national government department
Comments: c.) House of Representatives (Nationalrat). d.) Swiss Federal Chancellery.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:56:28 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: c) On proposal from the government.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 12:20:37 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: e.) Financial Control Organ of the Swiss Financial Department.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:56:28 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
c. For an unspecified period
Comments: c.) They can be fired at any moment within a 6-months-term.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 13:31:51 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
e. Governmental appointment
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 12:22:07 GMT
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 14000000
Comments: 14 000 000 USD. All State levels included (from municipality ballot stations to federal poll systems). See also VR06.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:56:28 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 4
Comments: 4.890.000
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:02:28 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
h. Other
Comments: The whole Government is the Head of State. Swiss Federal Government is a collective authority of seven members which have to decide as a body about all executive political problems. The President of the Confederation in Switzerland is not the Head of State but only the President of the Government who has to prepare and to conduct its meetings. But he does not have any supplementary power in decision-making. Every year, the President of the Confederation must be another member of the Government; it is forbidden to be President of the Confederation two consecutive years or to be Vice-president immediately after having been President. Since 1848, the President of the Swiss Confederation does never make official State visits in another country; and if the Head of another State makes a State visit, then he will be received by the whole Government in corpore.
Source: Constitution, Art. 174-178.
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 09:56:50 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
c. Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: Indirectly elected by legislature, Chamber 1 and Chamber 2 combined.
Source: Constitution, Art.174-178
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 09:24:41 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution, Art.174-178
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 09:23:57 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Source: Constitution, Art.149 and 150
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 09:26:20 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
e. Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Source: Constitution, Art.149
Last updated: 2004-07-13 18:39:26 UTC
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
e. Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: The election procedure is determined by cantonal law and varies from canton to canton. 1 canton uses the proportional system. All the other 25 cantons use a form of majority system 6 cantons elect one senator each, the rest of the 25 cantons elect 2 senators each.
Source: Constitution, Art.150
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 09:01:14 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
a. d'Hondt Formula
Comments: Hagenbach-Bischoff system
Last updated: Tue, 04 Sep 2001 09:44:24 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
c. Regional/provincial level
Comments: Proportional number of seats per canton (states) according to the population. Minimum of 1 delegate per canton.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 09:42:53 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
c. Regional or provincial level
Comments: 6 cantons elect one senator each, the rest of the 25 cantons elect 2 senators each. Election procedure is determined by cantonal law and varies from canton to canton. 1 canton uses the proportional system. All the other 25 cantons use a form of majority system.
Source: Constitution, Art.150
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 09:02:36 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Source: Constitution, Art.149
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 12:24:15 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable Na
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 21:51:52 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Comments: 6 cantons elect one senator each, the rest of the 25 cantons elect 2 senators each.
Source: Constitution, Art.150
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 09:44:33 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable Na
Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 21:52:34 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Comments: The seats are distributed among the cantons in proportion to their population.
Source: Constitution, Art.149
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 09:45:21 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
a. No minimum
Comments: Election procedure is determined by cantonal law and varies from canton to canton. 1 canton uses the proportional system. All the other 25 cantons use a form of majority system.
Source: Constitution, Art.150
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 09:03:43 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
a. No minimum
Last updated: Tue, 04 Sep 2001 10:04:01 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
a. No minimum
Last updated: Mon, 01 Oct 2001 13:39:39 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a.) 4 years. c.) The third Sunday in October.
Source: Constitution, Art.145 and 149(2) Swiss Parliament website: http://www.parlament.ch/poly/Framesets/E/Frame-E.htm
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:33:52 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a) 4 years. c) The election of 39 of the 46 members in the Council of States takes place at the same time as the National Council elections, the third Sunday in October. The election of the members from the cantons Zug and Grisons takes place during the year preceding the National Council elections. In the cantons, Appenzell (Inner Rhodes), the "Landsgemeinde" (historically a meeting of the whole population) proceed to elect such councillors.
Source: http://www.parlament.ch/poly/Framesets/E/Frame-E.htm Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 09:09:55 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Comments: See the following links: a) http://www.swissemb.org/legal/html/constitution.html for a English version b) http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/16.html#161.1 for German version; http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/16.html for French version; http://www.bk.admin.ch/themen/pore/index.html?lang=en for unofficial English version.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:59:10 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 13:00:51 GMT
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
d. Referendums
Comments: d) Also the applying rules concerning initiative and referendum signatures collation.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 11:08:11 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: a) With the only exception of the canton of Schaffhausen where voting is compulsory.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:43:58 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
c. National elections are held on the same day as regional elections only
Comments: In most Cantons (= member States), elections of the 2nd national Chamber(= regional elections). Recently, more cantons adopted to change their election day for the 2nd national Chamber in order to join the national election day for the 1st Chamber.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:59:10 UTC
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 04 Sep 2001 11:46:40 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
d. Other
Comments: d.) The canton government.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:38:13 GMT
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Comments: The canton government is responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 10:00:15 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
c. Voters
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 13:12:15 GMT
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
b. Constitutional (or similar) Court
Comments: b) The Swiss Federal Supreme Court, for Chamber 2. The new Law on Constitutional Court will enter into force on January 1st, 2007 and provide only the Federal Constitutional Court as the final appellate authority for all elections on both cantonal and national levels.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:59:10 UTC
LF11 Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
b. Legislative Committee
c. Government
f. Other
Comments: c.) Swiss Federal Chancery f.) Citizens may propose modification through the poplular initiative process, which could be organized by every group of 7 citizen with the collection of 100000 signatures of citizens eligible to vote.
Source: Swiss Federal Constitution, Art.179,139 Swiss Federal Law on Political Rights, Art. 60-76. Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:59:10 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are not entitled to free media access.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: International IDEA, Political Finance Database http://www.idea.int/parties/finance/db/country_print.cfm?CountryCode=CH
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:05:32 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: Presidential elections are in Switzerland effected by Parliament. Only one of the 7 Government members can be elected President, and the President is elected only for 1 year; he can't be reelected immediately. So, President is a representative function without any supplementary competence. That's why the 7 members of the Government are elected President one after another. So, only legislative elections are popular elections and politically interesting.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:05:32 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2006-12-08 10:23:46 UTC
ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
f. 10 or more days
Comments: The rule is not a legal one but the result of a Gentlemen's Agreement of the Researching institutes because all electors can vote by correspondence ten days before the election day.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:05:32 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: a.) 100/200/400 signatures depending of the size of the canton.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:49:53 GMT
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
f. Other
Comments: Chamber 2 elections are regulated by the cantons (state members). The regulations are therefore different from each other.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:50:31 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
Comments: a.) 18 years f.) Registration not required in every canton.
Source: Constitution, Art.143 Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:52:20 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
Comments: a.) 18 years f.) Registration not required in every canton.
Source: Swiss Parliament website; http://www.parlament.ch/poly/Framesets/E/Frame-E.htm Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:52:20 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
Comments: President elected by the legislature for a term of one year.
Source: Constitution, Art.152 Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:52:20 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
k. Mental health problems
Source: Constitution, Ch.1, Art.136
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 16:29:33 GMT
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
k. Mental health problems
Comments: President elected by legislature. All Government members can be candidates.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:52:20 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: See PC05.
Last updated: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 08:00:51 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: See PC01.
Last updated: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 08:02:51 GMT
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
d. Other
Comments: See PC02.
Last updated: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 08:04:04 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
e. Not Applicable
Comments: See PC05.
Last updated: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 08:05:24 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
d. Other
Comments: d.) Depends on cantonal law.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 19:45:09 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
a. As related to the election period only
Last updated: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 13:21:25 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access
d. Other
Comments: See PC12.
Last updated: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 08:11:17 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Comments: a.) Only in some cantons, depends on the laws and regulations in the canton.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 13:54:19 GMT
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
b. Election campaign activities
Comments: See PC12.
Last updated: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 08:13:59 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 19:56:35 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 19:57:25 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Comments: There are no party financing provisions applicable.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 12:30:25 GMT
PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 19:59:27 GMT
PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
e. Not applicable
Comments: There are no party financing provisions.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 12:31:30 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
c. Write-in ballot
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
i. Party symbols in black and white
l. No photos or logos, only party and/or candidate names
p. Bilingual
Comments: i) only in french speaking part l) in centrum part of Switzerland p) in cantons which are bilingual
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:03:29 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
c. Write-in ballot
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
i. Party symbols in black and white
p. Bilingual
Comments: Diffrent law in the cantons.
Last updated: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 13:59:01 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Last updated: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 13:59:57 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:08:39 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
a. Separate ballots for different elections
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
k. Counted by machine
l. Counted by hand
n. Transfer ballots from party/candidate with least support to second preference
o. Data fed into computer for calculation
q. Copies of results are provided to observers
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 12:55:05 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
d. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: d.) Canton level, the canton has to inform the Swiss Federal (=national) Authority.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:03:29 UTC
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: Canton.
Last updated: Wed, 19 Sep 2001 12:55:56 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
b. By telephone
c. By fax
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:11:03 GMT
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
d. Voter rolls
f. Certificate of result
g. Ballot boxes
Last updated: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 11:32:16 GMT
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
d. Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals
h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Last updated: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 11:34:00 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
d. By request
Comments: c.)Only if there is a doubt which suggest an irregularity on the vote that might falsify the principal result.
Source: Art. 79 (2bis) Federal Act on Political Rights; Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:03:29 UTC
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
c. Legislative formula or regulation
Source: Art. 79 (2bis) Federal Act on Political Rights; Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 14:03:29 UTC
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
a. Political parties
b. An individual candidate
c. Election officials
d. Domestic observers
f. Other
Comments: Every citizen.
Last updated: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 11:41:54 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
e. Regional Government agency (specify)
Comments: e.) Concerned cities and Cantons.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:13:56 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: 6
Comments: 4-6 hours.Great differences between cantons.
Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 13:48:45 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:14:42 GMT
VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
a. hours:
Comments: a.) 1-15 hours.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:15:17 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
b. Regional Electoral Management Bodies
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 14:05:44 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 12:57:48 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
a. No
Last updated: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 12:58:40 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
e. Public meetings
g. Internet
Last updated: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 13:01:05 GMT
VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
g. Internet
Last updated: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 13:02:11 GMT
VE06 Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
b. Young people/ first time voters
Comments: b.) By schools
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 14:06:28 GMT
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
b. 81-90%
Comments: From abroad: Computers hardware and software
Last updated: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 13:18:37 GMT
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:01:09 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
e. At mobile polling stations
f. By mail
j. Other
Comments: e) In some cantons there is polling-station-cars. j) In some cantons ill people can ask to be visited by two members of the polling station team.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:54:39 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
d. Members of the armed forces
f. Diplomatic staff
Comments: Mail ballots are admitted from anywhere in the world when sent in time.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:04:41 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
e. By mail
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:05:15 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:05:40 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
a. At special advance polling centers
b. By mail
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:05:40 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
a. Everyone
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:06:11 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No
Last updated: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 13:39:58 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:54:39 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 20:07:04 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 3
b. The largest polling station: 500
Comments: The polling is organised by the 2740 cities/municipalities according to the laws of the 26 cantons. As a rule, polling stations are organized in the municipalities. As a consequence of concentration their number has been reduced since during the last years from 2903 to 2740.
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:54:39 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: Constitution, Art.136
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 13:45:15 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Source: Constitution, Art.136
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 13:45:45 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
d. Mental disability
Source: Constitution, Art.136
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 13:46:58 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 14:03:02 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
a. National citizens register
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 14:03:23 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously
Source: Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Last updated: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 14:04:01 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
b. Links to police records of residence
Comments: Made by the cities/municipalities.
Last updated: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 08:52:42 GMT
May 20, 2008 07:18 AM
