Week 8: Elections in Liechtenstein

Hi everyone!

Welcome to week 8 of my blog here in Stockholm!

Excitedly, I get to work on another election brief this week. This time, we’ll be focusing on Liechtenstein! This year, the country held parliamentary elections in February to elect its full parliament. The race was contested primarily between the conservative Progressive Citizens’ Party (FBP) and the liberal-conservative Patriotic Union (VU), with both retaining their positions as the two dominant forces in Liechtenstein politics. In the end, the VU narrowly emerged as the largest party with 11 of the 25 seats, while the FBP followed closely behind. Turnout was strong, with nearly 78 percent of eligible voters casting a ballot.

Further, voters also got to decide whether they would move away from the proportional representation system the country normally uses to a direct-election system where voters directly elect individual candidates. Voters in Liechtenstein rejected the referendum, opting to vote for political parties rather than direct candidates.

Notably, the election seems to have gone on without a hitch. There were no widespread concerns of election interference, meddling, or violence, and voters seemed to largely accept the results. In an era when many democracies — both large and small — are facing increasing polarization and skepticism toward electoral outcomes, a smooth and uncontested vote is a reminder that public trust can still hold when institutions are seen as fair and inclusive. It’s a small but important counterpoint to the growing narrative of democratic backsliding elsewhere.

Meanwhile, exploration here in Stockholm continues at a steady pace. While I don’t think I’ll visit every one of the thousands of islands dotting the city, I’ve at least hit all of the big ones! Södermalm has become an instant favorite, with hills and restaurants and parks in every direction. It’s become a favorite after-work walking area.

For now, back to exploring!

Hank