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Writer's pictureSidela Leon

Swiss political System and Swiss Elections 2023

Updated: Oct 31, 2023

Last weekend Switzerland voted for the legislativ period for the next 4 years.


Bundeshaus, Bern, Elections 2023, Capital of Switzerland
Bundeshaus in Bern



Swiss political System


Switzerland has a unique political system characterized by a federal structure, direct democracy, and a multi-party system. The Swiss Federal Assembly is the federal legislature, and it is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the National Council (lower house) and the Council of States (upper house). Members of the National Council are directly elected by the Swiss citizens through a proportional representation system.


The Council of States, on the other hand, represents the Swiss cantons (similar to departments). Each canton has two representatives, except for the six half-cantons, which have one representative each. Council of States members are chosen through a variety of methods, including direct election in some cantons or by cantonal legislatures in others.


The Federal Council is the executive branch of the Swiss government, and it is composed of seven members, with each member heading a specific federal department. The Federal Council is elected by the Federal Assembly.


Switzerland also regularly holds referendums and initiatives, which allow citizens to have a direct say in legislation and policy decisions.


The outcome of the 2023 Swiss elections would depend on various factors, including the political climate at the time, the issues that are most important to the electorate, and the candidates and parties that are running. Specific implications of the elections would depend on the composition of the Federal Assembly and potentially any shifts in the political priorities of the Swiss government. Swiss Elections 2023 Switzerland voted last weekend and as it was expected, also in Switzerland there was a shift to the right. All results of last weekends votes can be found under Swissinfo.


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