Evstratenkova M.A. Election Systems of the Cantons of the Swiss Confederation

Abstract: In the following article the author introduces the readers to the election systems of the cantons of the Swiss Confederation. The article describes a general characteristic of holding the elections of the supreme elected authorities of the cantons, as well as reveals the features of the election systems of the cantons, which reflect the development and formation of the cantonal authorities of the Swiss Confederation. The election system of each canton is peculiar and deserves special attention and study. Regulation of electoral legal relations in each canton is set independently by the canton. The questions, which have not been delegated to the Confederation by the cantons, are embodied in the cantonal legislation. These issues primarily refer to the order of election of the member(s) of the Council of States, the order of formation of the legislative body of the canton, the order of election of the executive body of the canton, trial court judges, magistrates and local self-government elections where representative body with parliamentary structure exists. During the study of election systems of the cantons the author has added scientific and theoretical analysis by the empirical data, which is provided in the table below. Such a wide implementation of the principles of democracy in the cantons of the Swiss Confederation is one of the most significant characteristics of the constitutional basis of Switzerland. Thus, the federal legislation along with the cantonal legislation places an important role on the principles of democracy as well as on the institutions of representative and direct democracy.

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