Swiss expats are a key component of the country’s global reach, but only a small percentage exercise their right to vote.
Switzerland articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Switzerland. Surrounded on all sides by the European Union, the federal Swiss model of democracy is highly regarded as one of the best models of democracy in the world. Officially known as the Swiss Confederation, the government is a representative democracy with strong tools of direct democracy built in. A pure form of direct democracy exists in two Swiss cantons, the equivalent of American states. Also check out our section on World Democracy.
Slovakia Tries The Swiss Path Of Popular Initiatives
Three decades after independence, Slovakia is trailing Switzerland on the path of decision-making via direct democratic popular rights.
The Swiss Answer For US Congressional Gridlock
It is difficult to have laws passed in the US, a systemic gridlock that could be addressed using the Swiss “people power” model.
How Participatory Budgeting Gives Citizens A Say In Financial Matters
Switzerland is the only country in the world where the participatory method is applied as a binding rule, according to the Italian research group Politis.
Swiss Reject Giving Vote To 16-Year-Olds
Voters in Swiss canton Bern have given short shrift to a proposal aimed at lowering the legal voting age to persons as young as 16.
How Exclusion Became The Driving Force For Democratisation
Canton Geneva has made history in Switzerland by voting to provide people with severe mental or physical disabilities full political rights.
Magnum Photographers Challenged To Picture Swiss Democracy
Magnum photographers accustomed to exploring crisis regions have been challenged to capture the quiet operation of Swiss democracy.
How Popular Votes Made Switzerland A Global Democracy Leader
A turning point in Swiss history was the adoption of the new federal constitution as it led to a number of significant reforms.
Youth Suffrage Proposal Rejected By Voters In Zurich
Proponents of the right to vote for youth as young as 16 in Switzerland suffered another setback following a vote in canton Zurich.
Experts: Swiss E-Vote System Is Improved, But Not Perfect
According to a research by independent experts, a proposed new online voting system in Switzerland still need technical upgrades.