Narrow majority abolishes Landsgemeinde in Obwalden 25 years ago
Published: Monday, Nov 27th 2023, 09:10
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The canton of Obwalden abolished a centuries-old tradition 25 years ago: the people of Obwalden sealed the end of the Landsgemeinde. The referendum campaign was surprisingly calm. Obwalden is the last canton in Central Switzerland to make the Landsgemeinde a thing of the past.
On November 29, 1998, the people of Obwalden decided the fate of the Landsgemeinde at the ballot box. The result was close: with 5697 votes to 5045 votes, they voted in favor of abolition.
Until 1996, there were still two cantons in Central Switzerland with a Landsgemeinde democracy: Nidwalden and Obwalden. This institution was abolished in Nidwalden in 1996. The discussion about the future of the Landsgemeinde thus spilled over into neighboring Obwalden.
When Nidwalden decided on the Landsgemeinde in 1996, emotions ran high. The pros and cons were passionately debated. Nothing of the sort in Obwalden, which dared to take this step two years later. There was no wave of enthusiasm, no passions and - if isolated voices were to be believed - unlike the EEA referendum in 1992, there were no shreds flying around the family table.
Government and parliament in favor of abolition
Both the cantonal council and the cantonal government spoke out clearly against the Landsgemeinde. CVP party president Viktor Bucher tried to save the Landsgemeinde in a fiery plea: Politics would become more anonymous, Obwalden poorer. But his emotions went unheard.
Opponents of the Landsgemeinde argued that, in particular, voting and electoral secrecy would not be protected and the opportunity to participate would be restricted. Supporters of the Landsgemeinde, on the other hand, argued that the abolition would make politics more anonymous and Obwalden would lose its character and charisma.
The final vote in the cantonal parliament took place by roll call. Only ten cantonal councillors voted against the government's proposal and therefore in favour of retaining the Landsgemeinde.
Eight cantonal assemblies at cantonal level
However, the traditionalists were unable to convince the electorate. With a voter turnout of 50%, the majority voted 53% to 47% in favor of abolition.
The result of the vote was a source of satisfaction for the opponents. Those who were defeated expressed regret and at the same time said they were prepared to accept the decision. Obwalden is taking a step into the future, said Hans Hofer, the mayor of Obwalden, in an initial statement after the decision was announced.
In Switzerland, there used to be a cantonal assembly at cantonal level in eight cantons. Zug and Schwyz abolished them back in 1848, Uri in 1928, Nidwalden in 1996, Appenzell Ausserrhoden followed in 1997 and finally Obwalden in 1998. They still exist in Glarus and Appenzell Innerrhoden.
©Keystone/SDA
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