Swiss Review 6/2020

Swiss Review / November 2020 / No.6 33 dinate voting in respective countries in accordance with the CSA’s electoral guidelines. They will be in charge of all other aspects re- lated to the vote themselves, e.g. they may also hold a direct ballot (electronically or by post). Who can vote abroad? Any Swiss Abroad is entitled to vote, provided that they belong to a recognised Swiss association. However, umbrella organisations and Swiss associations can also extend the circle of voters to non-members. When will the elections take place? The elections will be held from January to June 2021. The responsi- ble bodies in individual countries will determine their own voting dates. On 20 August 2021, the newly elected CSA will meet for the first time to appoint the Swiss-based delegates recommended by the OSA Executive Board. Who can be voted on to the CSA? Anyone who wants to stand for election must, specifically, be a Swiss citizen, live abroad, speak French or German, have tieswith the Swiss community in their respective region, and be able to travel to Switzer- land twice a year inorder to participate inCSAmeetings. The umbrella organisations and Swiss associations can specify additional eligibility requirements. Delegates receive a modest fee for attending meetings. They must cover the cost of travel and accommodation themselves. What powers does the CSA have? The CSA is the governing body of theOrganisation of the Swiss Abroad. As an independent foundation, it represents the interests of the Swiss Abroad in Switzerland. Not only is the CSA able to lobby andmake po- litical statements, it can also put forward specific demands, decide on referendum slogans, and issue voting recommendations. However, it has no legislative powers. What are the CSA’s key achievements? ■ ■ Swiss Abroad enshrined in the Federal Constitution (Art. 40) ■ ■ Continued voluntary old-age and survivors’ insurance (OASI) and disability insurance (DI) ■ ■ Training and education funding for young Swiss Abroad ■ ■ Introduction of postal voting ■ ■ Adoption of the Swiss Abroad Act For further information, visit ogy.de/asr-2021 Details also available from: Stefanie Mathis-Zerfass, OSA Legal Service; tel.: +41 31 356 61 00 ; mathis@aso.ch The Council of the Swiss Abroad meet- ing in Montreux – a show of hands calling on the Feder- al Council to do more on the issue of e-voting. Photo: Adrian Moser (2019)