Direct democracy depends on active citizen participation. Yet referendum proposals are often highly complex, and finding balanced, reliable information is becoming increasingly difficult. In a pioneering national research project, the University of Zurich is investigating how a Citizens' Review Panel can support informed decision-making, promote social cohesion, and lead to better understanding and acceptance of democratic decisions.
An example of a Citizens’ Initiative Review (CIR) in a smaller setting. For the first time, such a review will be conducted at national level.
Direct democracy is a hallmark of Switzerland. Popular votes are a cornerstone of Swiss politics and enjoy broad public support. At the same time, recent developments show that a growing number of citizens question whether political institutions adequately reflect their concerns. While complex voting issues and a rapidly changing media landscape challenge voters to make informed opinions, polarizing campaigns further hinder constructive debates and deepen political divisions. New approaches that foster informed decision-making, constructive dialogue, and democratic cohesion are therefore more important than ever.
This is where the research project led by Professor Daniel Kübler at the University of Zurich comes in. For the first time worldwide, Switzerland will conduct a national-level Citizen Initiative Review (CIR). A group of 100 citizens will engage with diverse perspectives and arguments, deliberate together and produce a balanced information guide for the wider public regarding the upcoming vote on the Bilateral Agreements III.
Thanks to random selection, participants will reflect the diversity of the Swiss electorate. Deliberations will take place in German, French, and Italian. In addition, 10,000 citizens will participate in two large-scale surveys, allowing researchers to assess whether and under what conditions information generated through a Citizens' Review Panel influences opinion formation and confidence in democratic decision-making. The project forms part of a broader research initiative led by the University of Geneva exploring trust in politics and society in Switzerland.
“My understanding of the complexity of political decision-making has deepened. I’ve come to realize that things are rarely just black and white, and that while it’s difficult, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of a decision together.”
Marco Haller, former participant in a Citizens' Initiative Review (CIR) in the canton of Aargau
The planned vote on the Bilateral III offers an exceptional opportunity to study a highly relevant democratic process under real-world conditions. The issue is both complex and politically sensitive, making it an ideal case for investigating how a Citizens' Review Panel may contribute to public understanding and informed decision-making.
Importantly, the Citizens’ Review Panel does not advocate for any political agenda and makes no voting recommendation. Its purpose is to present competing arguments in a balanced and accessible way, enabling citizens to form their own views based on non-partisan information.
This project combines an innovative form of citizen participation with rigorous academic research. Its findings will provide valuable evidence on the role citizen deliberation can play within Switzerland's system of direct democracy. In the long term, the results can contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between citizen deliberation, political trust, acceptance of democratic decisions, and political polarization.
With your donation, we can fortify the fundamentals of a strong direct democracy.
