The Political Rights Act (PRA), federal act on political rights, is a Swiss federal law that regulates the exercise of political rights (votations and elections) in Switzerland. The law was adopted on 17 December 1976 by the Federal Assembly and came into force on 1 July 1978.
The PRA outlines the rights of Swiss citizens with regard to political participation at the federal level. It covers various aspects of the political process, including referendums, popular initiatives, and the election of the national council. The act doesn't apply to cantonal and communal votes, which are governed by cantonal laws. However, the act delegates the conduct of federal votes to cantons and communes (e.g., voters registration, counting of votes, appeals).
The PRA complements and details the provisions established in the Swiss constitution (title 4 and 5).
Previous laws When introduced in 1978, the law replaced six former federal laws:FF 1975 I 1337 -- Message from the Federal Council to the Federal Assembly concerning a federal law on political rights (9 April 1975)
Federal law on federal elections and votes (19 July 1872, RS 161.1) Federal law concerning popular votes on federal laws and decrees (17 June 1874; RS 162.2) Federal law concerning the election of the National Council (14 February 1919; RS 263.2) Federal law on the procedure for popular initiatives concerning the revision of the constitution (23 March 1962; RS 162.1) Federal law on the distribution of deputies to the National Council among the cantons (8 March 1963; RS 163.1) Federal law establishing facilities for federal votes and elections (25 June 1965; RS 161.2)
See also
Voting in Switzerland
References Notes
Citations
External links
Official text (read online)