Rolf Blaser: In Sri Lanka, we meet regularly in person ten to 12 times a year. These gatherings are a chance to interact as well as celebrate Swiss culture in different ways. We continually update our Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts in addition to our website. We also have an email newsletter containing details of future events. Furthermore, a regional newsletter with relevant information for the entire constituency is sent to all embassies and consulates for forwarding.
What do you hope the switch to direct elections will achieve?
Stephan Frei: We want the CSA to have greater legitimacy and to better reflect the diversity of the Swiss expatriate community. This is possible if the majority of Swiss Abroad can elect their local delegates.
Rolf Blaser: Thanks to this change, all registered Swiss nationals can now stand for election as well as vote, regardless of whether or not they belong to a recognised Swiss association. This is democracy in its purest form and a true testament to Swiss culture and equality.
“This is democracy in its purest form and a true testament to Swiss culture and equality.”
Rolf Blaser, Sri Lanka
What you need to know
To cast your vote in the CSA elections, you will need to be registered under a valid email address at your local consulate or embassy by 31 January 2025 at the latest. This is because voters will receive voting instructions directly by email from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Voting will be possible from Friday, 11 April 2025.
Anyone who not only wishes to vote but also wants to stand for election to the CSA should contact their local election coordinator without delay.
Application forms must be submitted by 15 February 2025.
The list of participating countries and the contact details of local election coordinators are available on the official election website: www.swisscommunity.org/de/elections
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