Direkte Demokratie in der Schweiz – Länderbericht 2010/2011 (Direct Democracy in Switzerland – Country Report 2010/2011)

Abstract

German Abstract: Dieser Landesbericht schildert die Entwicklung der schweizerischen direkten Demokratie im Berichtszeitraum. Er enthält einen Überblick über die hängigen Verfahren auf Bundesebene. Ausserdem werden Schwerpunkte der Entwicklung in Bund, Kantonen und Gemeinden behandelt.

English Abstract: This country report looks at how political parties use direct democracy during election years. The report finds a significant increase of initiative launches that can be explained by the parties' need for a distinct political profile. Election campaigning by public initiative mostly takes place during the year running up to parliamentary elections. It consolidates the parties' public image and makes sure that the collection of signatures coincides with the election campaign, thereby increasing the general visibility of politicians. Many of these "profiling initiatives" are not actually targeted at getting a broad majority. They use the instruments of direct democracy in order to draw attention to the special interest of their constituency. The report also analyzes the recent change in recounting policies. Following a judgment by the Federal Court of 2009, narrow margin votes deserve a recount even if no specific allegations for procedural errors could be raised. Finally, the report looks at the – quite legal – practice of "buying" signatures by delegating the collection activity for money.

Note: Downloadable document is in German.

Keywords: Initiatives During Election Years, Recounting of Votes, Practice of Buying Signatures