Overview of the First Round
Geneva, Sunday afternoon, the old town quiet was briefly broken by an unusual sound: the collective bells carried by eight UDC supporters in light shirts and braces, standing behind their candidate, Lionel Dugerdil. The scene framed a high-stakes duel for the vacant seat on the State Council, left open by Antonio Hodgers’ resignation. The first-round results confirm a clear favorite heading into the runoff on October 19, but also reveal a race that remains fluid and competitive.
Key Results and Momentum
With provisional results showing about 95% of ballots counted, Green candidate Nicolas Walder led with 29,910 votes. Walder, who enjoys backing from the Socialists, strengthened his position as the frontrunner for the runoff. On the left, Rémy Pagani of the Union populaire tallied 6,831 votes, presenting a credible consolidation of the left-leaning vote but not enough to challenge Walder directly in the second round. Dugerdil, the UDC candidate, finished second to Walder, though the gap was not as decisive as some observers might have expected given the left’s vàriety of choices and the right’s internal divisions.
Where Walder Held Ground
The geography of support reflected a familiar pattern: Walder performed well in urban communes and several peripheral municipalities, including Bardonnex and Bernex. This urban strength is a cornerstone of Walder’s campaign, illustrating the Greens’ appeal in Geneva’s city environment. Yet the first round also underscored that the right is not monolithic, and Dugerdil’s campaign benefited from mobilization in other segments of the canton, keeping the contest wide open as the runoff approaches.
The Runoff Outlook
The upcoming runoff on October 19 will hinge on turnout and how the various camps mobilize their bases. Analysts note that the right’s division in this first round may enable Walder to build a broader coalition, but Dugerdil’s support base cannot be discounted, especially if the UDC can rally voters who are wary of a prolonged Green-led governance. The final outcome will depend on negotiations, alignments, and the ability of each candidate to persuade undecided voters who inhabit Geneva’s diverse political landscape.
Context and Significance
The Geneva State Council, responsible for cantonal governance on issues ranging from housing and transport to climate action, is at a pivotal juncture. Walder’s campaign has emphasized sustainable urban policy and inclusive governance, while Dugerdil has rooted his platform in security, fiscal responsibility, and traditional center-right values. The race, therefore, is as much about policy direction as about electoral math, with the cantonal executive poised to shape Genève’s development in the years ahead.
What to Watch Next
Voters will weigh the Greens’ urban track record against the UDC’s emphasis on security and fiscal discipline. As the date of the runoff nears, watch for mentions of housing affordability, climate initiatives, and cantonal reforms—the issues most likely to influence turnout and sway in the final tally.
