Walder leads the field as first-round results come in
In Geneva, the race for the State Council intensified after the first round, with Green candidate Nicolas Walder posting the strongest tally. With provisional results showing 95% of votes counted, Walder had 29,910 votes, keeping him firmly on track for the October runoff. His campaign is backed by the Socialists, boosting his position in what remains a closely watched contest to replace the resigning Antonio Hodgers.
On the other side of the ballot, Lionel Dugerdil, the UDC candidate, finished strong but still trailing Walder as the tally solidified. An unusual scene accompanied part of Dugerdil’s push: eight UDC supporters, dressed in light shirts and suspenders, rang cowbells behind their candidate at campaign stops around the city. The image underscored the festive, sometimes theatrical nature of Swiss regional campaigning and the contrast with Walder’s more formal coalition backing.
What the numbers mean for the runoff
Beyond Walder’s clear lead, the results highlighted the fragmented nature of the right, which was divided at the outset of the race. Dugerdil’s performance, though solid, did not translate into a decisive breakthrough, as the right bloc struggled to consolidate its votes. In the left-leaning camp, Walder’s alliance with the Socialists helped consolidate support, while Rémy Pagani, standing with the Union populaire, gathered 6,831 votes, signaling a multi-layered dynamic in the city’s political landscape.
Geographic and demographic patterns
As expected, Walder claimed a strong share in the urban core, where his coalition has historical roots. He secured broad support in the city’s central communes, and he also performed well in several suburbs, though the margin varied. Among the peripheral municipalities, Bardonnex and Bernex were noted as areas where the race remained competitive and where Dugerdil or his allies could pose a challenge in the runoff.
What to watch in the runoff on October 19
The upcoming runoff now centers on two visions for Geneva’s governance in a period of transition after Hodgers’ departure. Walder’s coalition emphasizes green policies, social inclusion, and pragmatic governance, while Dugerdil’s campaign stresses traditional values and a more conservative approach to public spending. The split in the right’s vote means the center-left and green blocs will be watching closely to capitalize on any wavering among center-right voters, particularly in urban areas where turnout can swing results.
The mood on the streets: atmosphere and symbolism
The first-round dynamics were accompanied by a vibrant street atmosphere, with the cowbell episode serving as a symbolic counterpoint to more conventional campaign parades. Voters in the old town and surrounding neighborhoods expressed a mix of enthusiasm and scrutiny as both candidates laid out their plans for Geneva’s future. The image of eight supporters beating cowbells behind Dugerdil became a talking point, illustrating how campaign imagery can capture public imagination even in a highly technical electoral process.
Conclusion and outlook
As the runoff approaches, Walder holds the momentum, but the race remains open. The victory in the first round, coupled with a practical alliance-building approach, gives him a meaningful path to securing the necessary majority in the second round. Dugerdil will need to galvanize a broader cross-section of voters, particularly in urban districts where Walder’s lead is strongest, if he hopes to overturn the initial results. The coming weeks will reveal how the political forces coalesce as Geneva prepares to decide who will lead the State Council into the next phase of local governance.
