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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral constituency.
Source: Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation, Art. 53, 149(3): https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2025/03/28
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral constituency.
Source: Constitution, Art. 149 (3):
http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/sz00000_.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/1/101.fr.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2015/10/09
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral constituency.
Source: Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation, Art. 53, 149(3): https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015).
Verified: 2025/03/28
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral constituency.
Source: Constitution, Art. 149 (3):
http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/sz00000_.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/1/101.fr.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral constituency. Boundaries are drawn by agreement between the cantons concerned.
Source: Constitution, Art. 53, 149 (3): https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments: Each canton forms an electoral constituency. Boundaries are drawn by agreement between the cantons concerned.
Source: Constitution, Art. 53, 149 (3):
http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/sz00000_.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/1/101.fr.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2015/10/09
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The head of state in Switzerland is the entire Federal Council (Government) composed of seven members elected by the Federal Assembly after each general election to the National Council for a four-year term. The chair of the Federal Council is the President of the Confederation. He/she is elected by the Federal Assembly. It is forbidden to be President of the Confederation two consecutive years or to be Vice-president immediately after having been President. The President of the Confederation in Switzerland is therefore not the Head of State himself but only the President of the Government who has to prepare and to conduct its meetings.
Since 1848, the President of the Swiss Confederation has never made official State visits to another country; and if the Head of another State makes a State visit, then he will be received by the whole Government.
Source: Constitution, Art. 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 184: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The Federal Council is the supreme governing and executive authority of the Confederation and as a collective organ is the head of state and the head of government. It is composed of 7 members, out of whom one is elected to be the President of the Confederation. The President of the Confederation chairs the Federal Council. The President and the Vice-President of the Federal Council are elected by the Federal Assembly from the members of the Federal Council for a term of office of one year.
Source: Constitution, Art. 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 184: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Confederation chairs the Federal Council, which is the supreme governing and executive authority of the Confederation.
Source: Constitution, Art. 176: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Federal Assembly is the supreme authority of the Confederation, comprising of two chambers: the National Council and the Council of States - both of equal standing.
Source: Constitution, Art. 148: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The National Council is composed of 200 representatives of the People, elected directly by the People according to a system of proportional representation. A general election is held every four years. Each canton constitutes an electoral constituency and seats are allocated to the Cantons according to their relative populations. Each Canton has at least one seat.
Source: Constitution, Art. 149 (2): https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
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 (3): https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2014/02/06
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
a . d'Hondt Formula
Comments: Hagenbach-Bischoff system
Source: Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 40, 41, 42, 43: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
c . Regional/provincial level
Comments: Proportional number of seats per canton (states) according to the population. Minimum of 1 delegate per canton.
Source: Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 40, 41, 42, 43: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Constitution, Art. 149, 150
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 149;
Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 40, 41, 42, 43: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: 6 cantons elect one senator each, the rest of the 25 cantons elect 2 senators each.
Source: Constitution, Art. 150
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: Seats are distributed among the cantons in proportion to their population.
Each party wins seats in proportion to the total number of votes it obtains.
Source: Constitution, Art. 149;
Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 40: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
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;
Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 47, 50: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: The candidates with the highest number of votes are elected.
Source: Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 43: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: The candidates with the highest number of votes are elected.
Source: Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 43, 47: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
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)
Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 19: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
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) proceeds to elect the senators.
Source: Official Website of the Federal Assembly. http://www.parlament.ch/f/wahlen-abstimmungen/parlamentswahlen/staenderatswahlen/Pages/default.aspx (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: a) On a Sunday
Source: Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) regulating political rights, Art. 19: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Federal Assembly. http://www.parlament.ch/f/wahlen-abstimmungen/parlamentswahlen/staenderatswahlen/Pages/default.aspx (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: The representatives are elected directly by the People according to a system of proportional representation. A general election is held every four years. Each Canton constitutes an electoral constituency. The seats are allocated to the Cantons according to their relative populations. Each Canton has at least one seat. The Cantons determine the rules for the election of their representatives to the Council of States
Source: Constitution, Art. 149, 150: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: 1 February 2010
Source: Constitution, Art. 149, 150;
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections d . Referendums
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 138 - 142, 149, 150: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary d . Voting is compulsory within certain regions of the country
Comments: a) With the only exception of the canton of Schaffhausen where voting is compulsory.
Source: Constitution, Art. 39, 136: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
Election Law of Schaffhausen (Gesetz über die vom Volke vorzunehmenden Abstimmungen und Wahlen sowie über die Ausübung der Volksrechte
(Wahlgesetz) )Art. 9: http://rechtsbuch.sh.ch/fileadmin/Redaktoren/Dokumente/gesetzestexte/Band_1/160.100.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
LF005
Question: 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?
Answer:
b . National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
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: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02214/02217/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179: http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/sz00000_.html (2012); Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/1/101.fr.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: d) The canton government
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 77: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 77: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates c . Voters
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 77: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . Constitutional (or similar) Court
Comments: b) The Swiss Federal Supreme Court
Source: Law of 17 June 2005 on the Federal Court, Art. 82 (c), 88: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/173_110/index.html
Verified: 2012/05/11
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee c . Government f . Other
Comments: c) Swiss Federal Chancery
f) Citizens may propose modification through the people initiative process.
Source: Swiss Federal Constitution, Art. 179, 139
Swiss Federal Law of 17 December 1976 (as amended) 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
Verified: 2012/05/11
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ (2014);
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02220/02222/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department
Comments: c) The National Assembly;
d) The Swiss Federal Chancellery
Source: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02220/02222/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: c) On proposal from the government
Source: Constitution, Art. 126, 156, 167, 183: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: e) Financial Control Authority of the Swiss Financial Department
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Department of Finance: https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/home.html (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
c . For an unspecified period
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ (2014);
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02220/02222/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
a . Elected (specify by whom)
Comments: a) by the Federal Assembly
Source: Constitution, Art. 179
Verified: 2012/05/11
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ (2014);
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02220/02222/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ (2014);
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02220/02222/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ (2014);
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02220/02222/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
j . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ (2014);
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02213/02220/02222/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery on Cantonal Voting: https://www.ch.ch/en/cantonal-votes/ (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings g . Internet
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/11
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
a . Disabled
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 136 (1): https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: a) Swiss citizenship
Source: Constitution, Art. 136 (1): https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
d . Mental disability
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 136 (1)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: c) Local authorities proceed on their own motion to the inclusion of voters in the electoral register.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/index.html?lang=f (2014)
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery, on Voting: https://www.ch.ch/en/voting-rights/ (2014);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 4: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
c . No registration required
Comments: c) Local authorities proceed on their own motion to the inclusion of voters in the electoral register.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02188/02194/index.html?lang=fr#sprungmarke1_5 (2012);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 4: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02188/02194/index.html?lang=fr#sprungmarke1_5 (2012);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 4: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
b . Links to police records of residence
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02188/02194/index.html?lang=fr#sprungmarke1_5 (2012);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 4: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Link to the residence register.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02188/02194/index.html?lang=fr#sprungmarke1_5 (2014);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 4: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: a) 100/200/400 signatures depending of the size of the canton.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 24, 76a: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: Chamber 2 elections are regulated by the cantons (state members). Therefore, there are different provisions for each canton.
Source: Constitution, Art. 150
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration
Comments: a) 18 years old
f) Registration not required in every canton
Note: Any person eligible to vote may be elected to the National Council, the Federal Council or the Federal Supreme Court.
Source: Constitution, Art. 143: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration
Comments: a) 18 years old
f) Registration not required in every canton
Source: Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.parlament.ch/f/wahlen-abstimmungen/parlamentswahlen/staenderatswahlen/Pages/default.aspx (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: President elected by the legislature for a term of one year.
Source: Constitution, Art. 152
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
k . Mental health problems
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Ch.1, Art. 136
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
k . Mental health problems
Comments: President elected by legislature. All Government members can be candidates.
Source: Constitution, Ch.1, Art. 136
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 136, 149, 152: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf(2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 22, 24: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: Chamber 2 elections are regulated by the cantons (state members). Therefore, there are different provisions for each canton.
Source: Constitution, Art. 150
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments: See PC05.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/11
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: d) Depends on cantonal law. Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure. The cantons of Genève, Tessin, and Neuchatel are the ones where this matter is regulated.
A governmental website (the second source below) also mentions the following:
Switzerland has no national legislation on the financing of political parties. The sources of political parties’ finances include:
1. Annual membership fees;
2. Private gifts and donations;
3. Proceeds from the sale of products and services;
4. Parliamentary group contributions;
5. Contributions from party members who belong to an executive, members of parliament, judges and elected officials affiliated to the party.
No federal law exists that requires parties to disclose their source of funding. However, some cantons have restrictions in place that require parties to disclose their funders' names. In 2013, canton Neuchatel passed a legislation that would require any donor who donates over swiss franc 5000 to be made public. Other cantons with similar restrictions are Geneva and Ticino. Recently, cantons Fribourg and Schwyz passed a referendum in favor of introducing laws that would require political parties to reveal their campaign budgets and
disclose their big donors' names.
Source: 1. Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery, on Party Funding in Switzerland: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2014)||
2. Official Website for the service of confederation, cantons, and communes, on Financing of Political Parties:
https://www.ch.ch/en/demokratie/political-parties/financing-of-political-parties/ ||
3. Official Website of the Confederation Suisse, on Political Parties:
https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/politik/uebersicht/politische-parteien.html ||
4. Switzerland to Vote on Transparency in Party Financing, Humanrights website:https://www.humanrights.ch/en/switzerland/internal-affairs/national/switzerland-vote-transparency-party-financing ||
5. Loi sur les droits politiques (LDP), Le Grand Conseil de la Republique et Canton de Neuchatel, Chapter 4, Article 133m: http://rsn.ne.ch/DATA/program/books/rsne/pdf/141.pdf
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
d . Not Applicable
Comments: d) Depends on cantonal law. Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure. The cantons of Genève, Tessin, and Neuchatel are the ones where this matter is regulated.
A governmental website (the second source below) also mentions the following:
Switzerland has no national legislation on the financing of political parties. The sources of political parties’ finances include:
1. Annual membership fees;
2. Private gifts and donations;
3. Proceeds from the sale of products and services;
4. Parliamentary group contributions;
5. Contributions from party members who belong to an executive, members of parliament, judges and elected officials affiliated to the party.
No federal law exists that requires parties to disclose their source of funding. However,some cantons have restrictions in place that require parties to disclose their funders' names. In 2013, canton Neuchatel passed a legislation that would require any donor who donates over swiss franc 5000 to be made public. Other cantons with similar restrictions are Geneva and Ticino. Recently, cantons Fribourg and Schwyz passed a referendum in favor of introducing laws that would require political parties to reveal their campaign budgets and
disclose their big donors' names.
Source: 1. Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery, on Party Funding in Switzerland: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2014)||
2. Official Website for the service of confederation, cantons, and communes, on Financing of Political Parties:
https://www.ch.ch/en/demokratie/political-parties/financing-of-political-parties/ ||
3. Official Website of the Confederation Suisse, on Political Parties:
https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/politik/uebersicht/politische-parteien.html ||
4. Switzerland to Vote on Transparency in Party Financing, Humanrights website:https://www.humanrights.ch/en/switzerland/internal-affairs/national/switzerland-vote-transparency-party-financing ||
5. Loi sur les droits politiques (LDP), Le Grand Conseil de la Republique et Canton de Neuchatel, Chapter 4, Article 133m: http://rsn.ne.ch/DATA/program/books/rsne/pdf/141.pdf
Verified: 2018/06/22
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access d . Other
Comments: d) Depends on cantonal law. Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure. The cantons of Genève, Tessin, and Neuchatel are the ones where this matter is regulated.
A governmental website (the second source below) also mentions the following:
Switzerland has no national legislation on the financing of political parties. The sources of political parties’ finances include:
1. Annual membership fees;
2. Private gifts and donations;
3. Proceeds from the sale of products and services;
4. Parliamentary group contributions;
5. Contributions from party members who belong to an executive, members of parliament, judges and elected officials affiliated to the party.
No federal law exists that requires parties to disclose their source of funding. However,some cantons have restrictions in place that require parties to disclose their funders' names. In 2013, canton Neuchatel passed a legislation that would require any donor who donates over swiss franc 5000 to be made public. Other cantons with similar restrictions are Geneva and Ticino. Recently, cantons Fribourg and Schwyz passed a referendum in favor of introducing laws that would require political parties to reveal their campaign budgets and
disclose their big donors' names.
Source: 1. Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery, on Party Funding in Switzerland: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2014)||
2. Official Website for the service of confederation, cantons, and communes, on Financing of Political Parties:
https://www.ch.ch/en/demokratie/political-parties/financing-of-political-parties/ ||
3. Official Website of the Confederation Suisse, on Political Parties:
https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/politik/uebersicht/politische-parteien.html ||
4. Switzerland to Vote on Transparency in Party Financing, Humanrights website:https://www.humanrights.ch/en/switzerland/internal-affairs/national/switzerland-vote-transparency-party-financing ||
5. Loi sur les droits politiques (LDP), Le Grand Conseil de la Republique et Canton de Neuchatel, Chapter 4, Article 133m: http://rsn.ne.ch/DATA/program/books/rsne/pdf/141.pdf
Verified: 2018/06/22
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: e) Depends on cantonal law. Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure. The cantons of Genève and Tessin are the only ones where this matter is regulated.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery, on Party Funding in Switzerland: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: d) Depends on cantonal law. Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure. The cantons of Genève and Tessin are the only ones where this matter is regulated.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure. The cantons of Genève and Tessin are the only ones where this matter is regulated.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery, on Party Funding in Switzerland: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: i) Depends on cantonal law. Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure.
However, lately more cantons are introducing some form of regulations that require public disclosure of party contributions after the certain threshold of donations. Cantons that have such regulations are Geneve, Tessin, Neuchatel, Schwyz, and Friborg. Schwuz and Friborg voted for such restrictive measures in 2018.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Official Website for the service of confederation, cantons, and communes, on Financing of Political Parties:
https://www.ch.ch/en/demokratie/political-parties/financing-of-political-parties/
Official Website of the Confederation Suisse, on Political Parties:
https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/politik/uebersicht/politische-parteien.html
Switzerland to Vote on Transparency in Party Financing, Humanrights website:https://www.humanrights.ch/en/switzerland/internal-affairs/national/switzerland-vote-transparency-party-financing
Verified: 2018/06/18
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: i) Depends on cantonal law. Political parties receive mainly contributions and donations from their members. In most of the cantons, parties are not obliged to publicly disclose these contributions and their expenditure. The cantons of Genève and Tessin are the only ones where this matter is regulated.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: There are no party financing provisions on this subject.
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Federal Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/02186/02191/02284/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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 central part of Switzerland
p) in bilingual cantons
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 33, 35: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
r . Other
Comments: Different provisions in each canton.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 39: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 39: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
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: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 33, 35: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: c) Canton level
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 40, 41, 42: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Constitution, Art. 149
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported b . By telephone c . By fax
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 39: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
a . Ballots d . Voter rolls f . Certificate of result g . Ballot boxes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 39: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
d . Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals h . Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 39: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 79: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
c . Legislative formula or regulation
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 79 (2bis): Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
a . Political parties b . An individual candidate c . Election officials d . Domestic observers f . Other
Comments: Every citizen.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 77: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
e . Regional Government agency (specify)
Comments: e) Concerned Cantons
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 79 (2bis): Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 52: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: a) Official results must be published on the Federal Journal
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 52: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
a . hours:
Comments: a) 1-15 hours
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 52: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
Media and Elections
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) The Federal Department for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication
Source: Federal Law of 24 March 2006, regulating radio and television, Art. 38, 44, 45:
Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/784_40/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies f . State owned companies g . Other
Comments: g) Natural persons
Source: Federal Law of 24 March 2006, regulating radio and television, Art. 44:
Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/784_40/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Federal Law of 24 March 2006, regulating radio and television, Art. 10:
Official Website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/784_40/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: i) Political propaganda on radio and television is not permitted. Political parties are not entitled to free media access. It is prohibited to advertise political parties, persons holding public office or candidate for public office and objects of popular votes.
Source: Federal Law of 24 March 2006, regulating radio and television, Art. 10: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/784_40/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: Even though political propaganda and political advertisement on radio and television is not permitted, debates and discussions between parties and candidates are conducted during the pre-election period.
Source: Federal Law of 24 March 2006, regulating radio and television, Art. 10, 12, 24:
http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/784_40/index.html (2014);
Verified: 2025/03/28
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll b . Geographical coverage c . Characteristics of the sample d . Size of the sample e . Margin of error f . Other
Comments: f) The period the survey was conducted
Source: Guidelines for the Declaration of responsibilities and rights of journalists:
http://www.vsms-asms.ch/uploads/pdf-vsms-fr/Annexe_II_Directive_elections.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Guidelines for the Declaration of responsibilities and rights of journalists: http://www.rjionline.org/MAS-Codes-Switzerland-Duties-Rights-2000 (2000)
Constitution: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: c) This subject is not regulated by federal law.
Source:
Verified: 2025/03/28
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution Art. 138-141: Available online: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10 - 15, 59 - 76: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 140: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10 - 15, 58, 76: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 141: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2014)
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10 - 15, 59, 76: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 138, 139: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10 - 15, 59, 68-76: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014).
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 138 - 141: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 138 - 141: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD008
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 140, 142;
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 58: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD009
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 59 - 67b: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Constitution, Art. 141, 142
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD010
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 68 - 76: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Constitution, Art. 138, 139
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
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. 200 000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery does only a sample control. If the number of signatures is very close (e.g. 105 000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery checks signatures more closely.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 62: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
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. 200 000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery does only a sample control. If the number of signatures is very close (e.g. 105 000 for an initiative), the Federal Chancellery checks signatures more closely.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 61, 62, 63, 70: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms c . Local authorities
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 62: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD106
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: The Federal Council
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD107
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: The Federal Council
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD108
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets f . Website
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD011
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets f . Website
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights,: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD012
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
c . Free publication space in information document
Comments: The initiative or referendum committee is granted space (one page) in the official voters pamphlet.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
c . Free publication space in information document
Comments: The initiative or referendum committee is granted space (one page) in the official voters pamphlet.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD125
Question: Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
Answer(s):
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 it is 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 of its support or rejection of the issue that is put to vote.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10A: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery: http://www.ch.ch/abstimmungen_und_wahlen/01253/index.html?lang=fr (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD127
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Similar distribution of tasks between the Federal Chancellery and the Cantons as with regard to federal votes.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which have different direct democracy 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
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which have different direct democracy 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
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which havr different direct democracy 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
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some regions/states/provinces
Comments: Switzerland consists of 26 cantons which havr different direct democracy 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
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has approximately 3 000 communes which all have different forms of direct democracy instruments.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has approximately 3 000 communes which all have different forms of direct democracy instruments.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has approximately 3 000 communes which all have different forms of direct democracy instruments.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Switzerland has approximately 3 000 communes which all have different forms of direct democracy instruments.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
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: Constitution, Art. 140
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
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: Constitution, Art. 141
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 140, 141
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: d) Change of cantonal boarders.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 67, 67a, 67b: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
e . Registered electors f . Other (specify)
Comments: 50 000 citizens entitled to vote or 8 Cantons
Source: Constitution, Art. 141
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department) e . Registered electors
Comments: a) The 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 derives 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.
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department)
Comments: a) The 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 derives 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.
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . The title of the proposal c . An explanatory text d . The full text of the proposal
Comments: The full text as well as the explanatory text are not part of the referendum question itself, but they have to be in the accompanying material to the referendum question.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 11: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . The title of the proposal c . An explanatory text d . The full text of the proposal
Comments: The full text as well as the explanatory text are not part of the referendum question itself, but they have to be in the accompanying material to the referendum question.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 11: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
a . Government e . Other (specify who)
Comments: a) The Federal Council
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 11: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
a . Government e . Other (specify who)
Comments: a) The Federal Council
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 11: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
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.
Not all mandatory referendums require a double majority.
Source: Constitution, Art. 140, 142
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
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: Constitution, Art. 141, 142
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD042
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 140, 142, 195;
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 15: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 141, 142;
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 15: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 138, 139
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
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: Constitution, Art. 139
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals
Comments: 100 000 citizens entitled to vote
Source: Constitution, Art. 138, 139
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
a . Proposed title c . Full proposed text
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 68: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
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: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 69, 75
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
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: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 69, 75: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
c . Translating the title and/or text into other languages
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 69, 75: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments: The text can only be checked for compatibility with constitutional principles.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 69, 75: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 69, 75: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
c . After its submission but before the vote on the initiative
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 69, 75: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
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.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 76: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
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
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 76: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
b . Both the initiative and the alternative proposal are qualified for the ballot, and are put to a vote on the same day
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 139;
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 76: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
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: Voters can answer three questions. First of all whether they want to accept the initiative. Secondly, whether they want to accept the alternative proposal. And finally, which of the two they prefer in the deciding question.
But of course voters may also only just accept one proposal and leave out the other questions.
Source: Constitution, Art. 139;
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 76: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
a . Proponents of the initiative
Comments: The final ballot text consists of the title of the initiative.
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 11: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
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: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 75a: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: a) 100 days
Source: Constitution, Art. 138, 139, 141
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: a) 18 months
Source: Constitution, Art. 138, 139, 141
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
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.
Source: Constitution, Art. 138, 139, 141, 142
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
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.
Source: Constitution, Art. 138, 139, 141, 142
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: Signature collection in public areas may be restricted or available only with prior application.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere e . Electronically
Comments: Signature collection in public areas may be restricted or available only with prior application.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
d . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
d . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
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.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
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.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/14
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 140, 141, 142, 195: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 140, 141, 142: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2025/03/28
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 Regulating political rights, Art. 67, 67a, 67b: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
Voting Operations
VO001
Question: Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Answer:
b . 81-90%
Comments: From abroad: Computers hardware and software
Source:
Verified: 2001/09/10
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/11
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections f . By mail h . By proxy 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: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 4, 6, 7, 8, 8a: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2014);
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery, on How to Vote and Where: https://www.ch.ch/en/how-where-vote/
Verified: 2025/03/28
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
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: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery, on Voting Rights: https://www.ch.ch/en/voting-rights/ (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
d . By proxy e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery, on How to Vote and Where: https://www.ch.ch/en/how-where-vote/(2014)
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 8: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 7: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
a . At special advance polling centers b . By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 7: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
a . Everyone
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 7: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/11
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/11
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots f . Internet g . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 35, 8a: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
Official Website of the Swiss Chancellery, on How to Vote and Where: https://www.ch.ch/en/how-where-vote/(2014)
Verified: 2025/03/28
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
The smallest polling station: 3
The largest polling station: 500
Average per polling station:
Source
Hans Urs-Wili, Head of the Section of Political Rights, Swiss Federal Chancellery, hans-urs.wili(a)bk.admin.ch
Verified
2025/03/28
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