So what about election tourism?

Unveiled by Tages Anzeiger, the controversy is not about to deflate. Electoral tourism would have distorted Moutier's vote on its cantonal affiliation! After the «Broulis affair» and the Isabelle Moret pseudo-controversy, here's a pretty racy subject.

June 18, 2017. The citizens of Moutier, a commune previously belonging to the canton of Bern, decide, by a narrow majority (51.7%), to join the canton of Jura. An ambitious adventure, strongly imbued with identity. Yet another episode in the «Jura question». Plagued by tensions and suspicions of fraud, this vote has never ceased to dominate the headlines.

Far from drying up once the results were in, the flood of rumours has been gathering pace in recent hours. The reason? The appearance of an anonymous report alleging electoral tourism during the voting period in the commune of Moutier. So, in the end, is this majority of just 137 votes not very representative?

Suspicion of election tourism

Voters are accused of having come to register in the fiefdom now promised to the Jura, with no real intention of settling there. After shopping tourism, social tourism and even sex tourism, the time has come for election tourism. The next few weeks should shed light on the truth of these movements and their possible consequences for the outcome of this historic vote.

In particular, it will be necessary to take a serious look at the anonymous report which, in the words of Bernese State Councillor Christoph Neuhaus, «raises a number of questions». That's the legal aspect. But what about the moral side? Does an individual who wishes to have an impact on the community's future have the right to express his opinion, albeit in an unusual way, or should we reproach him for doing so?

We are faced with a fundamental vote on identity and the future. Anyone who sees themselves returning to or joining Moutier, for historical, family, identity or other reasons, only in the event of a vote in favor of a switch to Jura, or in the other direction, would they not have the right to make their case? However subjective the justification, it has the merit of being real.

A civic impulse

Today, some people are criticized for their excessive civic-mindedness. They are criticized for their willingness to express themselves, to influence a destiny they seem to hold dear. On the contrary, in a democracy that's running out of steam, with a steadily falling turnout, let's rejoice in these genuine democratic moments, when visions and identities come face to face.

Let's be proud to give this responsibility to the people. Defending a cause without the will to establish oneself directly on the spot in the days following the verdict does not make the ballot a second-class vote. It's simply a vote like any other, one that expresses the profound will of the supporter of a cause. And a legitimate one at that.

Write to the author: nicolas.jutzet@leregardlibre.com