First female mayor chosen in last Swiss region permitting women's ballot casting.
In the heart of Switzerland, a groundbreaking moment was announced by Keystone-ATS news agency. A 41-year-old Centre Party candidate became the first woman ever elected as Landammann, the equivalent of mayor, in the conservative canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.
Defying odds and shattering tradition, she emerged victorious against three other contenders. Her triumph marked a historic moment, as Appenzell Innerrhoden had only granted women the right to vote 34 years prior.
Every year, the vote for regional and local leaders and judges takes place not behind the privacy of ballots but with raised hands, at the Landsgemeindeplatz, a tradition dating back to the 14th century. Women were finally allowed to partake in this democratic exercise in 1991, a full 20 years after they were given the right to vote in federal Swiss elections.
The story of women's voting rights in Appenzell Innerrhoden is a slow but steady journey towards progress. In 1990, women's suffrage was introduced against the canton's conservative traditions, following a decision by the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland and a significant delay[2][4].
The first local elections under the new constitution granting women the right to vote took place in 1991, allowing them to actively participate in local decision-making processes[4]. As for the future, a significant milestone is anticipated, with a woman expected to be elected to a major leadership role in the canton sometime in early 2025[2]. This forthcoming event marks another significant step forward in the representation of women in the canton's government.
So, cheers to the first female Landammann of Appenzell Innerrhoden! Her victory is a testament to the power of change and the long-awaited recognition of women's political rights in this historic canton.
- The first sentence woman ever elected as Landammann in the conservative canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden is from a centrist political party.
- In a 41-year-old woman's historical victory, Appenzell Innerrhoden's Landsgemeindeplatz, a tradition dating back to the 14th century, is likely to see more diverse representation in the future.
- The first woman to be elected Landammann comes from a canton that only granted women the right to vote 34 years ago, a decision which was met with resistance and delayed implementation.
- The accomplishment of the first woman Landammann reflects the canton's continued evolution in women's political representation and the progress in the health-and-wellness sector for women in Appenzell Innerrhoden.
- The importance of this news story in the realm of general-news extends beyond Appenzell Innerrhoden, as it serves as a significant example in the science of political studies, reflecting the historical journey and eventual success of women's suffrage in Switzerland.
