On November 24, Basel voters will decide on a proposal granting voting rights to foreigners with C residence status who have lived in the canton for at least five years. Advocates, including SP member Edibe Gölgeli and government president Conradin Cramer, argue for the democratic inclusion of around 32,000 affected residents. Opposition from conservative parties emphasizes naturalization as a prerequisite. If approved, Basel-Stadt would become the first German-speaking canton to allow such voting rights, joining other Swiss cantons.
Basel Electorate to Vote on Foreign Voting Rights
On November 24, the electorate of Basel will cast their votes on a pivotal proposal that seeks to grant active voting and election rights to foreigners residing in the city. To qualify, individuals must possess a C residence status and have lived in the canton for a minimum of five years. The initiative, however, is not without controversy, as a similar proposal was decisively rejected by Basel-Stadt in 2010.
Community Voices and Government Support
During a heated debate in the Basel Grand Council earlier this year, SP member Edibe Gölgeli passionately advocated for the rights of foreign residents. “These are our neighbors, our friends, and our colleagues,” she stated, highlighting the integration and contribution of foreigners to the community. The sentiment is echoed by government president Conradin Cramer (LDP), who emphasized the democratic importance of including a significant portion of the population currently excluded from political participation. Cramer pointed out that approximately 32,000 individuals in Basel-Stadt are affected by this democratic deficit, arguing that those who contribute to the tax system deserve a voice in how their funds are utilized.
If approved, Basel-Stadt would join other Swiss cantons like Neuchâtel and Jura in extending voting rights to foreigners at the cantonal level. While municipalities in several cantons, including Vaud and Geneva, already allow non-Swiss residents to vote, the requirements vary. Should the proposal pass, Basel-Stadt would become the first German-speaking canton to implement such a measure, though it will only allow foreigners to vote without granting them the right to run for office.
As immigration continues to rise, the percentage of residents without a Swiss passport, currently at 38%, is expected to grow, further emphasizing the need for inclusive political representation. Yet, opposition remains strong among conservative parties. SVP councilor Felix Wehrli argues that participation in direct democracy should necessitate naturalization, citing past rejections of foreign voting rights in Basel-Stadt as evidence of public sentiment against the initiative.
The debate continues, with conservative parties, including the SVP, FDP, LDP, and the Center, opposing the proposal, while the SP, GLP, and the Greens advocate for it. The fate of this significant issue will be determined by the Basel-Stadt electorate on November 24.