Vaud Cantonal Election Heads to Second Round as UDC Candidate Surprises
The race to fill a vacant seat on the Vaud Cantonal Council is heading for a second round of voting after a surprisingly strong showing by Jean-François Thuillard of the Swiss People’s Party (UDC) in the first round on Sunday, March 8th. Thuillard narrowly edged out Socialist Party (PS) candidate Roger Nordmann, setting the stage for a closely contested runoff on March 29th. The unexpected result has prompted a scramble for support from both sides, with Nordmann appealing for unity among progressive forces to defend the seat currently held by Rebecca Ruiz.
Nordmann, a veteran politician with twenty years of experience in the Swiss Federal Parliament, was widely considered the frontrunner. While he performed well in smaller, traditionally right-leaning communes like Froideville, where he secured nearly a third of the votes, he failed to translate that support into a decisive lead across the canton. According to results reported by RTS, Nordmann trailed Thuillard by just under 2,000 votes overall.
A Strong Showing for the UDC and a Surprise Performance by Raboud Sidorenko
Thuillard’s success represents a significant gain for the UDC in a canton traditionally dominated by left-leaning parties. The 24 Heures reports that Thuillard secured 45.07% of the vote in the first round, while Nordmann received 44.22%. Adding to the complexity of the race, Agathe Raboud Sidorenko, representing the “Ensemble à Gauche” (Together on the Left) alliance, achieved a notable 7.78% – or 17,943 votes – exceeding expectations and forcing a second round.
Raboud Sidorenko’s strong performance, despite being a relatively unknown candidate just months ago, drew votes from across the political spectrum, particularly in larger cities within the canton. Her withdrawal from the second round, however, leaves her supporters with a crucial decision: whether to back Nordmann to prevent a UDC victory or abstain, potentially influencing the outcome. The Le Temps notes the surprising resilience of the left-wing alliance despite internal divisions.
Nordmann Calls for Progressive Unity
Following a congress of the Vaud Socialist Party on Monday evening, Roger Nordmann was formally endorsed as the candidate for the second round. He urged voters to mobilize, emphasizing the importance of defending public institutions – healthcare, security, and education – and addressing pressing economic concerns such as rising rents and health insurance premiums. “It is vital to defend our institutions,” Nordmann stated, “weakening public services degrades the quality of life for all residents.” He also argued that the canton’s prosperity depends on investment and exchange, rejecting isolationist policies.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as both candidates attempt to consolidate support and sway undecided voters. Thuillard will likely focus on appealing to conservative voters and those concerned about economic issues, while Nordmann will aim to rally the progressive base and potentially attract voters who supported Raboud Sidorenko in the first round. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the political balance within the Vaud Cantonal Council and could signal a shift in the canton’s political landscape.
The Stakes for Vaud
The election is being closely watched across Switzerland, as it reflects broader national trends and the ongoing debate over the future of the country’s political system. Vaud, a traditionally progressive canton, has seen a rise in support for right-wing parties in recent years, mirroring a trend observed in other parts of the country. The outcome of this election could influence the dynamics of future cantonal and federal elections.
The second round of voting is scheduled for March 29th. Voters will be asked to choose between Jean-François Thuillard, representing the UDC, and Roger Nordmann, representing the PS. The election is expected to be tight, and every vote will count. The result will determine who will succeed Rebecca Ruiz on the Vaud Cantonal Council and shape the political direction of the canton for the next several years.
The election also highlights the increasing fragmentation of the Swiss political landscape, with the emergence of new political forces like “Ensemble à Gauche” challenging the traditional dominance of the major parties. This trend suggests that voters are increasingly willing to consider alternatives to the established political order.
As the campaign enters its final stages, both candidates are expected to intensify their efforts to reach voters and make their case for why they are the best choice to represent the canton. The election promises to be a closely watched and fiercely contested battle for the future of Vaud.
The next key date is March 29th, when the second round of voting will take place. Official results are expected to be announced shortly thereafter. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of this important election.
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