Nowhere in Switzerland can citizens participate digitally in the political process as well as in the canton of Geneva. This is the conclusion reached by a new scientific ranking on digital participation in Switzerland. The study identified great potential for improvement in all cantons.

On a scale from 0 to 100, the top-ranked canton of Geneva achieved 55 points. So announced the Center for Democracy Aarau (ZDA) and the think tank of the technology provider Procivis on Tuesday.

This was followed by St. Gallen (51) and Basel-Stadt (50). Appenzell Ausserrhoden scored the worst with only 6 points.

Most populous and financially strong cantons led the ranking. According to the authors, one possible reason for the differences could be economic performance. Tools for digital participation are associated with investment costs and require staff.

Digital political participation was measured with the help of seven indicators in the areas of opinion formation, participation and decision-making. Among other things, electronic instruments for political education and civil society as well as tools for voting and voting were viewed. The group of users and user friendliness also played a role, for example.

Even the top cantons could “improve significantly” in all areas. This is what the initiators of the Digipartindex Switzerland said. This should be updated regularly and form the basis for further scientific studies.

Digital political participation is increasingly complementing analogue forms of political participation, the authors explain. Elements of the political process such as dialogue, consultation and participation in the digital space could receive a boost in the pandemic. Because they correspond to the new worlds and experiences of ever broader sections of the population, they would play an increasingly important role in the future.