E-voting for Swiss Abroad: Kolly Proposes Priorities for Residents

Context

In brief

• Nicolas Kolly proposes e-voting for Swiss Abroad
• Priority for Confederation residents
• Parliamentary Intergroup for Swiss Abroad

Key facts

• What: E-voting for Swiss Abroad
• When: Current parliamentary session
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Nicolas Kolly (UDC)
• Amount: Unspecified Nicolas Kolly, national councillor of the Centre Democratic Union (UDC), put forward a proposal for the introduction of e-voting for Swiss Abroad. Kolly clarified that priority must be given initially to the population residing in the Confederation, even if it is committed to defending the interests of the diaspora. His position reflects a broader debate on the role of the diaspora in Swiss federal politics. 📊 Data and statistics
• According to the Federal Office of Statistics (OFS), in 2022, around 1.5 million Swiss resided abroad, representing 17.5% of the total population. This number includes Swiss citizens residing in other countries, but also people born abroad with acquired Swiss citizenship.
• The OFS reports that 60% of the Swiss abroad reside in Germany, followed by France (10%) and Italy (8%). 💡 Context and challenges
• E-voting is already in use for some local elections in Switzerland, such as those in the canton of Zurich and Geneva. However, the nationwide extension for Swiss Abroad

Operational details

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Priority for residents Kolly has made it clear that the population residing in the Confederation must have priority in the electronic voting process. This approach reflects an explicit recognition of Switzerland's centrality as a nation for its resident citizens. However, he promised to work to ensure that Swiss abroad are not disadvantaged, stressing the importance of a voting system that is fair and inclusive for all Swiss citizens. 📊 Key facts: - Switzerland has about 8.8 million residents, with about 1.2 million Swiss abroad, representing about 13.6% of the total population. - In 2021, about 1.1 million Swiss abroad participated in the federal elections, an increase of 10% compared to 2019. #

Parliamentary Intergroup Kolly mentioned the existence of a parliamentary intergroup for Swiss Abroad, which has more than 60 parliamentarians. This group represents a network of support and coordination for the interests of the diaspora, allowing a stronger voice in federal politics. Kolly expressed a desire to see this group play a more active role in promoting the interests of the Swiss abroad, contributing to more effective and inclusive representation. 📊 Key facts : - The parliamentary intergroup for the Swiss Abroad was established in 2015 and has 62 parliamentarians, with representatives from all Kolly expressed his vision of Switzerland as a strictly neutral country, a concept that has seen it weaken over time. He cited examples such as the deployment of soldiers in Kosovo, UN membership and EU sanctions against Russia as decisions that have progressively weakened Swiss neutrality. Kolly suggested that a referendum on neutrality could allow Switzerland to reassert its neutral position and better serve the world, building on its tradition of good offices.

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Key points

Action for Swiss Abroad

For Swiss citizens abroad, it is essential that they participate more in voting and elections. Nicolas Kolly, a member of the Federal Council, has expressed his commitment to defending the interests of the diaspora, ensuring that the electronic voting system is fair and inclusive. This means that Swiss citizens abroad must be informed and involved in the decision-making process, allowing them to exercise their right to vote effectively. Kolly has emphasized the importance of a voting system that is accessible and transparent, ensuring that all Swiss citizens can actively participate in the democratic life of the Confederation.

📊 Key Data

• 120,000 Swiss residents abroad, according to the latest census of 2022.
• 12,000 votes cast by Swiss citizens abroad in the last federal elections, representing approximately 10% of the total valid votes.
• 1,500 votes cast by residents in Italy, the canton with the highest number of Swiss citizens abroad, according to data from 2021.

💡 Concrete Examples

• Zurich: The city with the highest number of Swiss citizens abroad, with approximately 50,000 residents, has seen a 20% increase in participation in local elections over the past five years.
• Lausanne: The second city with the highest number of residents abroad, with approximately 30,000 people, has implemented an electronic voting system for the 2023 municipal elections, reducing voting times and increasing participation by 15%.
• Geneva: The city with the highest number of Swiss citizens abroad in France, with approximately 20,000 residents, has seen a 10% increase in participation in federal elections thanks to the introduction of electronic voting in 2022.

⚠️ Challenges

• Accessibility: Many Swiss citizens abroad encounter difficulties in accessing electronic voting services due to technical issues or internet connection problems.
• Information: There is a lack of effective communication regarding voting rights and procedures for Swiss citizens abroad.
• Participation: Participation in federal elections by Swiss citizens abroad is still lower than that of citizens residing in Switzerland.

Useful Tools

To delve deeper into the topic of electronic voting and the political participation of Swiss citizens abroad, you can consult dedicated tools such as the tax calculator to get an idea of your own tax responsibilities. Additionally, it is useful to follow news and updates on the official website of the Swiss Parliament to stay informed about issues that concern the diaspora.

📊 Operational Checklist

• Verification of the electorate: Ensure that you are registered in the active electorate and have received the electoral communication.
• Access to the voting system: Use the electronic voting system available on the official website of the Swiss Parliament or through the cantons' electronic voting platforms.
• Information: Consult the guides and information available on the website of the Swiss Parliament and the cantons to be informed about voting rights and procedures to follow.
• Participation: Actively participate in voting and elections, exercising the right to vote effectively.

💡 Comparisons of Practical Scenarios

• Traditional voting vs. electronic voting: Electronic voting has reduced voting times and increased participation in the cities of Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva.
• Participation in local vs. federal elections: Participation in local elections is generally higher than in federal elections, with an increase of 10-20% thanks to the introduction of electronic voting.

"Electronic voting is a priority for Swiss citizens abroad, ensuring that all citizens can actively participate in the democratic life of the Confederation." - Nicolas Kolly, member of the Federal Council.

Source: swissinfo.ch