The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

No e-vote option for the Swiss parliamentary election

Computer and a paper ballot
Swiss Post says its new system will be available from 2020. Keystone/Martial Trezzini

Swiss Post has suspended its e-voting system effectively spelling the end of the online trials with the current technology for the October parliamentary elections.

The state-owned company said it took the decision after the government announced last week  that it will drop plans to introduce e-voting as an official voting channel for the time being.

However, Swiss Post pledged to develop a new, updated version with universal verifiability available from 2020, according to statementExternal link on Friday.

The current system of Swiss Post has been in use in four cantons on a trial basis, notably the registered expat Swiss community living around the world.

Last month, a rival system developed by canton Geneva and used by three other cantons, was also withdrawn with immediate effect.

The moves come amid increasing opposition against e-voting for data security reasons.

Limited trials with e-voting have been underway since 2004 but technical problems over the past two years undermined the public support in the technology.

The Organisation of the Swiss AbroadExternal link representing the interests of the about 760,000 registered expatriate Swiss citizens has accused the government of denying them their democratic rights.

Many expats argue the postal vote or travelling back to Switzerland to cast their ballot are not realistic options for them.

More
computer and passport

More

The status and stakes of e-voting in Switzerland

This content was published on The debate around the introduction of e-voting for Swiss citizens at home and abroad has rumbled on for almost two decades. It’s not likely to end soon.

Read more: The status and stakes of e-voting in Switzerland

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

TX Group discontinues print version of "20 Minuten"

More

20 Minuten: last Swiss free daily to stop being printed

This content was published on From the end of the year, there will no longer be a daily free newspaper in Switzerland: the TX Group is discontinuing the print version of "20 Minuten". Up to 80 full-time positions are to be cut in the editorial and publishing departments.

Read more: 20 Minuten: last Swiss free daily to stop being printed
Irregular migration halved compared to the previous year

More

Irregular migration to Switzerland halves year-on-year

This content was published on Irregular migration to Switzerland has decreased significantly. The figures from January to May show that only half as many illegal stays were recorded compared to the same period last year.

Read more: Irregular migration to Switzerland halves year-on-year
UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide

More

UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide

This content was published on The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is to cut around 3,500 jobs as a result of financial cuts linked in particular to US decisions. Hundreds of temporary contracts will also be cut, the UN agency said in Geneva on Monday.

Read more: UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide
One in four people in Switzerland is frequently stressed

More

Quarter of Swiss frequently stressed

This content was published on One in four people in Switzerland feels stressed often or almost always. Among the under-30s, the figure is as high as 40%.

Read more: Quarter of Swiss frequently stressed
The permafrost in Switzerland has thawed further

More

Permafrost in Switzerland continues to thaw

This content was published on The permafrost in the Swiss Alps is thawing faster and faster. The thawed top layers of permafrost have never been as thick as they were last year. This is shown by the latest data from the Swiss permafrost monitoring network Permos.

Read more: Permafrost in Switzerland continues to thaw

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR