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Switzerland Switzerland

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Vote Counting

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
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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
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Media and Elections

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Voting Operations

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
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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
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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
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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
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The data on this page is continuously updated. Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.