Vaud, Switzerland – The race to fill the vacant seat on the Vaud cantonal council is heading for a second round, with a surprisingly strong showing from UDC candidate Jean-François Thuillard challenging the expected victory of Socialist Roger Nordmann. The first round of voting, held on Sunday, March 8th, 2026, saw Thuillard narrowly edge out Nordmann, setting the stage for a tense showdown on March 29th. The unexpected strength of a third candidate, Agathe Raboud Sidorenko of Ensemble à Gauche, further complicated the political landscape, ultimately leading to her withdrawal from the contest and a likely consolidation of her support behind Nordmann in the second round.
The outcome represents a significant shift in the political dynamics of the canton, traditionally a stronghold for the left. While Nordmann, a former national councillor, was widely considered the frontrunner, Thuillard’s performance demonstrates a growing appeal for the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (UDC) even in urban areas of Vaud. The results underscore a growing dissatisfaction with the current cantonal government and a willingness among voters to consider alternative leadership. This election is particularly crucial as it determines the composition of the seven-member Conseil d’État, the executive body of the canton of Vaud.
A Tight Race and a Surprise Result
Initial results indicated a remarkably close contest between Thuillard and Nordmann. According to RTS.ch, Thuillard secured a slight lead, forcing Nordmann into a second round of voting. The final tally saw Thuillard garnering 45.07% of the vote, while Nordmann received 44.22%. Raboud Sidorenko, despite her relatively recent emergence on the political scene, managed to capture 7.78% of the vote, a result that significantly impacted the initial outcome. Her decision to withdraw from the second round effectively clears the path for a more direct contest between the UDC and the Socialists.
The strength of Raboud Sidorenko’s showing is particularly noteworthy. As Le Temps reported, she achieved nearly 18% support in Vevey and 15% in Lausanne, demonstrating a resonance with voters seeking alternatives to the established political parties. Her campaign focused on challenging the austerity measures implemented by the current cantonal government, a message that clearly resonated with a segment of the electorate.
The Impact of Agathe Raboud Sidorenko’s Withdrawal
Raboud Sidorenko’s decision to step aside has significantly altered the dynamics of the upcoming second round. While she acknowledged that a victory was unlikely given her first-round result, her presence in the race initially fragmented the left-leaning vote, preventing Nordmann from securing a clear majority. Her withdrawal is widely expected to lead to a consolidation of her supporters behind Nordmann, bolstering his chances in the second round. However, the extent to which these voters will transfer their support remains to be seen, as some may be disillusioned with the traditional socialist platform.
The candidate herself stated that her strong showing was a demonstration that nearly 18,000 people do not support the austerity measures of the current Council of State, which includes members of the Socialist Party and the Greens. Despite this, she recognized the practical limitations of her campaign and opted to concede, aiming to maximize the impact of her message by encouraging her supporters to strategically vote in the second round.
Thuillard’s Appeal and the UDC’s Gains
Jean-François Thuillard’s success represents a notable achievement for the UDC in Vaud. The party has traditionally struggled to gain significant traction in the canton, which is generally considered more progressive. Thuillard, a former mayor of Froideville and a member of the Grand Council, has successfully tapped into a sense of discontent among voters concerned about issues such as economic stability and security. His campaign focused on these themes, resonating with a broader electorate than typically supports the UDC.
The results also suggest a growing willingness among voters to consider candidates from outside the traditional political establishment. Thuillard’s background as an agriculturalist and his long-standing involvement in local politics have positioned him as a pragmatic and relatable figure. His ability to garner support in both rural and urban areas demonstrates a broadening of the UDC’s appeal beyond its traditional base. According to reports from Swissinfo.ch, Thuillard even made inroads in traditionally left-leaning communes, indicating a potential shift in voter allegiances.
A Look at the Cantonal Council
The Conseil d’État is the executive branch of the canton of Vaud, responsible for governing and implementing cantonal laws. This proves composed of seven members, each heading a specific department. The composition of the council is crucial for shaping the canton’s policies on issues ranging from education and healthcare to economic development and environmental protection. The upcoming election is therefore of significant importance for the future direction of Vaud.
What’s Next: The Second Round on March 29th
The second round of voting is scheduled for March 29th, 2026. The outcome will determine whether the Socialists can retain their seat on the Conseil d’État or whether the UDC will gain a foothold in the cantonal government. Analysts predict a highly competitive race, with both candidates expected to mobilize their supporters and engage in intensive campaigning in the coming weeks. The transfer of votes from Raboud Sidorenko’s supporters will be a key factor in determining the final result.
The election is being closely watched throughout Switzerland, as it could signal a broader shift in the political landscape. A victory for Thuillard would represent a significant gain for the right-wing parties and could embolden them to pursue more ambitious policy goals. Conversely, a win for Nordmann would reaffirm the dominance of the left in Vaud and provide a boost to the Socialist Party’s national profile. The stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the official announcement of the results on the evening of March 29th. Voters are encouraged to participate in the second round and to stay informed about the candidates’ platforms and positions on key issues. Your voice matters in shaping the future of Vaud.
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