Switzerland Introduces Code of Conduct for Referendum Collectors

In a significant move to bolster the integrity of its direct democracy, the Swiss Federal Chancellery has announced it is drafting a national code of conduct for the collection of signatures for popular initiatives and referendums. This development comes as a direct response to a scandal involving the discovery of thousands of falsified signatures, which raised concerns about the reliability of one of the nation's core political processes. The proposed code aims to establish a national standard for signature-collecting companies, which will be asked to commit to a new self-regulation framework.

The push for a code of conduct was catalyzed by the ‘signatures scam’ that came to light in 2024. The discovery of thousands of forged signatures revealed critical vulnerabilities in a system long considered secure. For a nation where paper-based signature collection is a fundamental right that can trigger national votes on legislation, the incident served as a wake-up call. It highlighted the potential for fraud, particularly with the rise of commercial firms paid to collect signatures, prompting calls for greater oversight and regulation to prevent future breaches of trust.

The Federal Chancellery is currently drafting the specifics of the code, which will be legally non-binding. Instead of imposing strict government regulation, the approach relies on the principle of self-regulation, calling upon signature-collecting companies to voluntarily adhere to the established standards of conduct. A draft of the code is now in a consultation phase, which will last until September 5, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback. Following this period, the Chancellery will provide information on the subsequent steps. This method reflects the Swiss preference for consensus-based solutions and shared responsibility between the state and private actors.

The code of conduct is the latest in a series of measures to secure the referendum process. Since November 2024, a national reporting system has been in effect, enabling cantons and municipalities to flag irregularities. According to the Federal Chancellery, this system is already proving effective, with reports of dubious signature collections being 'much lower' than in the previous year. Furthermore, the Chancellery has intensified its own verification process, scrutinizing every signature sheet and individual signature line for potential falsification. Together, these measures represent a concerted effort to protect the democratic process from manipulation and ensure that the voice of the Swiss people remains authentic and powerful.