The Swiss People’s Party, Social Democratic Party and Centre parties are eyeing seats of their allies.
Published: Sunday, Sep 10th 2023, 08:40
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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In the upcoming Swiss federal elections, a record number of 8,776 Bernese citizens are running for the 24 seats in the National Council. The Swiss People's Party (SVP) is aiming to gain an eighth seat, and has formed a list alliance with the Free Democratic Party (FDP). The SVP will have to replace three incumbents due to internal term limits. The FDP is hoping to gain a third seat, but the list alliance has caused internal unrest. The Green Liberal Party (GLP), the Middle Party, and the Evangelical People's Party (EVP) have formed a list alliance in the political centre. The EVP is expected to retain its seat, while the GLP and the Middle Party are hoping to gain a third seat, possibly at the expense of the GLP. On the left, the Social Democratic Party (SP) is hoping to gain a fifth seat, while the Green Party is hoping to retain its four seats. The EDU, which gained a seat in 2019 due to a list alliance with several small parties, is hoping to retain its seat with the same strategy. For the Council of States, a record 17 Bernese citizens are running for the one seat. Incumbent Werner Salzmann (SVP) is running again, while Social Democrat Hans Stöckli is not. National Councilor Flavia Wasserfallen (SP) is hoping to replace him, while former Green Party government minister Bernhard Pulver is her main competitor. FDP, GLP, EVP, and Middle Party are also running their own candidates, as well as a SVP councilor in conflict with her party, and several political outsiders. A majority in the first round is a high hurdle, even for Salzmann, so a runoff election on November 19th is likely.nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
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