Participating in democracy, a challenge for the Swiss Abroad

More than 800,000 Swiss nationals live abroad, either permanently or temporarily. They are meeting up in Switzerland for the Swiss Abroad Congress – a special event, as this year marks its 100th edition. A small delegation of the so-called "Fifth Switzerland" is in Lucerne this year for the Swiss Abroad Congress. Up to 400 participants are expected. The conference is all about networking, culinary delights and traditions. That said, politics also play an important role, which is made evident by a quick glance at the programme: the political parties are trying to fly their flags through advertising and sponsorship. More political participation However, when it comes to political participation, the Swiss Abroad would like more action. E-voting is now possible for some of them: three cantons already introduced this electronic voting method for the federal elections in October 2023: Basel-City, St. Gallen and Thurgau. Besides electronic voting, the overseas community would like to see ...