Landsgemeinde
7 videos • 134 views • by Planet First The Landsgemeinde, a traditional form of direct democracy, is still active and thriving in two Swiss cantons, enabling citizens to participate in the political process by voting on ballot questions and directly shaping public policy. With a population of under 16,000 spread across 174 gorgeous square kilometers, this small Canton maintain a political practice that dates back to the Middle Ages. Instead of voting cards most of the men carry swords, women don’t carry swords but they do have yellow voting cards and have only been allowed to vote in a pencils local election since 1991. The Landsgemeinde (open-air parliament) is the symbol of direct living democracy and has taken place in the open air on the last Sunday in April since 1403. On this day the seven members of the (cantonal parliament) and the cantonal judges are elected or confirmed in office and voting takes place on constitutional, legislative and financial issues. ( The procession is led by the Harmonie music group, which has played the slow Landsgemeinde March since the 19th century. ) When the great bell in the church tower falls silent, the presiding Landammann, or highest official, opens the assembly with an adress. Before the voting on government issues takes place, members of the cantonal parliament and the cantonal court are elected (or re-elected), and every four years elections take place for the upper chamber. The government gives an account of its activities and of the cantonal budget. At this point, as well as during discussions of governmental issues, each person entitled to vote has the opportunity to come onto the podium and argue for or against an issue, put forward a suggestion or submit an individual initiative. ( The Landammann invites participation with the words: « S Woot ischt frei» («The word is free»). Voting is done by a show of hands.)