Sion, Switzerland – Proposals to fundamentally reshape the electoral system for the Valais canton’s Council of State are gaining momentum, spearheaded by Green Party member Emmanuel Revaz. The initiative seeks to address perceived imbalances in representation and modernize a system some argue has become outdated. These proposed changes, which include eliminating district-based representation and potentially expanding the Council of State, come after a previous comprehensive constitutional revision was rejected by voters in March 2024.
The current system, designed to ensure representation from all districts within Valais, mandates that only one member of the Council of State be elected from each district. Revaz contends this rule is no longer serving its intended purpose and is hindering the election of qualified candidates. He believes a more flexible system would allow for a broader range of expertise and perspectives within the governing body. This debate over electoral reform is particularly relevant as the Valais canton navigates complex challenges related to economic development, environmental sustainability, and regional equity.
Constitutional Revision and the Path Forward
The initial attempt to overhaul the Valais constitution in March 2024 included provisions to abolish the district rule and increase the size of the Council of State from five to seven members. However, the comprehensive package was ultimately rejected by the electorate. According to Le Temps, Emmanuel Revaz finished sixth in the first round of the 2025 Council of State election, leading to his decision not to proceed to a second round, and subsequently, to focus on these targeted reforms. Revaz maintains that the rejection of the broader constitutional revision does not invalidate the merits of specific changes, such as eliminating the district rule.
“The package was refused for a multitude of reasons,” Revaz explained, as reported by Swissinfo.ch. “Here, we are returning with targeted proposals, which provide the Grand Council the possibility of being able to pronounce on individual aspects without having to accept the whole package at once.” This strategy aims to address concerns about the scope of the previous revision and allow for a more focused debate on specific electoral reforms.
A Coordinated Effort: Damien Revaz’s Complementary Motion
Adding another layer to the ongoing debate, a motion proposed by Damien Revaz, Emmanuel’s brother and a member of the PLR (Liberal Radical Party) in the Grand Council, is scheduled to be considered alongside Emmanuel’s proposals. Damien Revaz’s motion calls for a phased revision of the cantonal constitution, addressing it chapter by chapter. Emmanuel Revaz has publicly endorsed his brother’s initiative, emphasizing the complementary nature of the two motions.
“The motions are complementary,” Emmanuel Revaz stated, according to reports. “We have a Constitution that is objectively obsolete. We need a project of modification by stages that is absorbable by the cantonal legislature.” This coordinated approach suggests a growing consensus within the Valais political landscape regarding the need for constitutional modernization, even if disagreements persist on the specific path forward. The Valais constitution, originally established in 1839, has undergone several revisions over the years, but many argue it no longer adequately reflects the canton’s current needs and priorities.
Understanding the Valais Political Landscape
The Valais canton operates under a unique political system. The Grand Council, the cantonal parliament, comprises 130 seats elected through proportional representation in districts corresponding to the canton’s 12 districts and 2 half-districts. As detailed in Wikipedia, the 2025 cantonal elections saw The Centre party secure the most seats with 49, followed by the PLR with 27, the UDC with 26, and the Socialists with 20. The Green Party obtained 8 seats. The Council of State, the executive branch, is composed of five members. The upcoming debate on electoral reform is expected to be closely watched by all political factions, as it could significantly alter the balance of power within the canton.
The 2025 elections saw Christophe Darbellay, Mathias Reynard, and Franz Ruppen, all incumbents, secure the top three positions. Stéphane Ganzer of the PLR followed in fourth place. Emmanuel Revaz’s sixth-place finish ultimately led to his withdrawal from the second round of voting. The results highlight the existing political dynamics within Valais and the challenges faced by smaller parties in gaining representation on the Council of State.
The District Rule: Historical Context and Current Debate
The district rule was initially implemented to ensure that smaller districts had a voice in the cantonal government. However, critics argue that it now creates artificial barriers to entry for qualified candidates who may not reside in a district with an open seat. The rule can lead to situations where less-qualified candidates are elected simply because they happen to be from a district without strong competition. Eliminating the district rule would allow voters to choose the best candidates regardless of their geographical location, potentially leading to a more effective and representative Council of State.
Proponents of maintaining the district rule argue that it is essential for preserving regional diversity and preventing the concentration of power in larger districts. They fear that abolishing the rule would marginalize the interests of smaller communities and exacerbate existing inequalities. This debate reflects a broader tension between the principles of representation and efficiency in electoral systems.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
The Grand Council is scheduled to debate Emmanuel Revaz’s proposals on Thursday, March 12, 2026, immediately following consideration of Damien Revaz’s motion for a phased constitutional revision. The outcome of these debates remains uncertain, but the coordinated effort between the two brothers suggests a growing momentum for electoral reform.
If the Grand Council approves the proposals, they would likely be put to a popular vote, giving the citizens of Valais the final say on whether to abolish the district rule and potentially expand the Council of State. The debate is expected to be vigorous, with strong arguments presented on both sides. The future of Valais’s electoral system hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on the canton’s political landscape.
The potential for a shift in the composition of the Council of State could have significant implications for policy-making in Valais. A more diverse and representative Council of State could lead to more innovative and inclusive policies, addressing the needs of all communities within the canton. However, it could also lead to increased political polarization and gridlock if the different factions are unable to find common ground.
As the debate unfolds, it is crucial for citizens of Valais to engage in informed discussion and participate actively in the democratic process. The future of their canton’s governance depends on it.
Key Takeaways:
- Emmanuel Revaz is proposing to eliminate the district rule for electing members of the Valais Council of State.
- A previous attempt to revise the Valais constitution comprehensively was rejected by voters in March 2024.
- Damien Revaz, Emmanuel’s brother, has proposed a phased revision of the constitution, complementing Emmanuel’s proposals.
- The Grand Council will debate these proposals on March 12, 2026.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on this developing story. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives in the comments section below.