Supporters of foreigner voting rights suffer setback

Date

9/26/2021 2:19:41 PM

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) As of now, foreigners can vote in eight of the country's 26 cantons. Keystone/Gian Ehrenzeller

Voters in canton Solothurn have thrown out a proposal to give its more than 100 municipalities the right to grant non-Swiss residents a say in local matters.

This content was published on September 26, 2021 - 14:31 September 26, 2021 - 14:31 swissinfo.ch/urs

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Official results from Sunday's ballot show 73.2% of voters rejecting the left-wing initiative, according to the Solothurn cantonal authoritiesExternal link .

The proposal by the Young Socialist group was defeated despite backing from the cantonal government.

Centrist and right-wing parties opposed the plans, saying foreigners should first seek a Swiss passport before getting a say in local politics.

So far, eight of the country's 26 cantons have granted rights to foreigners with a permanent residence permit. In French-speaking Switzerland, foreigners also have the right to take part in cantonal votes.

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