The socialist Marieke Kruit is well ahead in the election for mayor of the City of Bern, without however reaching an absolute majority. Outgoing mayor Alec von Graffenried comes second. A second round will take place in January.
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The socialist strategy of attacking the chair of the outgoing environmentalist mayor could therefore prove to be a winner. Outgoing municipal councilor Marieke Kruit obtained 46.5% of the vote, far ahead of her left-wing rival (26.4%).
The Green Liberal candidate and the UDC candidate follow far behind. Participation amounts to 51.3%.
However, it is too early to say what will happen in the second round. All candidates elected to the municipal council can run for mayor in the 2nd round. The result of the executive election is expected on Sunday evening between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Mr. von Graffenried, from the moderate environmentalist party Greens Free List (VLL), has been mayor of Bern since 2017. Before that, the chair had remained in socialist hands for decades.
Participation was 51.3%.
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