Nearly 75% of voters in Geneva on Sunday approved an amendment of the cantonal constitution, endorsing a decision taken by the cantonal parliament earlier this year, according to official final resultsExternal link.
About 1,200 citizens will be able to benefit from the new regulations to participate in the political decision-making process both at cantonal and local level.
About 14,000 citizens across Switzerland have a legal guardian because of a severe mental or physical disability. However, they are excluded from votes and elections.
People under guardianship can request their political rights in three of the country’s 26 cantons.
Opponents have warned that third parties could take unfair advantage by voting for a disabled person.
Several European countries, including neighbouring France, Italy and Austria, as well as Britain and Spain, grant disabled people their full political rights, according to the Inclusion Handicap interest group.
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Should people with severe mental disabilities be able to vote?
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People with disabilities who have been placed under full guardianship do not have the right to vote in Switzerland. Is this discrimination?
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
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Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
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St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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Public broadcaster to increase disabled-friendly content
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The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) has agreed to increase its offerings for a visually and hearing impaired audience.
Deaf Swiss demand political information in sign language
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Voting pamphlets and explanations of federal bills should be available online in sign language, says the Swiss Federation for the Deaf.
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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.