Live coverage kicks off from the Canons de la Vieille-Ville
Geneva voters head to the polls this Sunday for the first round of the supplementary election to the Geneva Council of State, the canton’s executive body. Ten candidates are vying to replace Antonio Hodgers, who is stepping down after years in office. In addition to these local results, seven cantonal referendums and initiatives are on the ballot, alongside two federal questions. From 11:55, the newsroom will bring you live results from the Canons de la Vieille-Ville in a special edition hosted by Jérémy Seydoux and Vincent Ulrich, with a panel of editors and invited guests guiding the coverage.
The race for the Geneva Council of State
Ten candidates are in the running to win a seat on Geneva’s Council of State. While the exact order of finish will only be clear as votes are tallied, observers say the field spans a mix of parties and independents, reflecting Geneva’s diverse political landscape. Viewers can expect a focus on continuity versus change, local governance, and the approach each candidate would take on cross-cantonal cooperation and urban policy in the years ahead. The first-round results will determine who moves forward to the potential second round, a common step in the canton’s electoral system.
Cantonal votes on seven issues
Beyond the Council of State race, seven cantonal questions are on the ballot. Here is a quick overview of the key topics voters will consider:
Initiative for a canton that works and the Grand Council counter-proposal
Voters will weigh in on the initiative promoting a more dynamic and efficient cantonal administration, alongside a counter-proposal from the Grand Council aimed at addressing the same concerns through different channels. The debate centers on governance efficiency, public services, and how to balance reform with fiscal responsibility.
The so-called Corsets laws
The ballot also features the so-called Corsets laws, controversial measures that have sparked debate over how tightly the state should regulate certain sectors. Campaigners on both sides argue about the impact on daily life, business, and the flexibility of public policy to adapt to changing needs.
Housing cooperative initiative and police immunity
A left-leaning initiative seeks to boost housing supply through cooperative models, while another proposal supported by the UDC would grant certain immunities to police authorities. Citizens will decide which path better serves housing affordability and public safety, weighing long-term societal benefits against concerns about civil liberties and security.
Federal matters on the ballot
On the federal front, voters will decide on two questions with implications beyond Geneva: the electronic identity (e-ID) and a move to abolish the tax on the imputed rent, a transfer that could affect household finances and the broader tax framework. These issues often attract friction between privacy concerns and administrative efficiency, and this vote will signal public sentiment on Switzerland’s digital governance and tax policy.
The Hermance district question
Residents of Hermance will again decide on the fate of the neighborhood project known as “Les songes d’une nuit d’été.” Local developments and community planning are at stake, with implications for how the canton handles regional growth, green space, and neighborhood identity.
What to expect from the live broadcast
The special edition, anchored by Jérémy Seydoux and Vincent Ulrich, promises real-time results, analysis from a panel of editors, and reaction from political observers and invited guests. The format is designed to translate complex electoral data into clear takeaways for viewers, highlighting not only who wins, but what the outcomes could mean for Geneva’s governance and policy direction in the coming months.
How to follow the coverage
Join the live stream from the Canons de la Vieille-Ville starting at 11:55, with ongoing updates throughout the day as results arrive. This coverage aims to satisfy readers and viewers seeking timely, factual reporting on the Council of State race, cantonal referendums, and federal questions facing Geneva and Switzerland at large.
