Appenzell Landsgemeinde © Marc Hutter, Appenzell
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Landsgemeinde
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When:
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26 Apr 2009 (annual)
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Where:
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Landsgemeindeplatz
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| Costs: |
Free
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| Opening Hours: |
12pm
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This is "direct democracy" in a rarely-seen form. Every year, citizens of the Swiss canton of Appenzell come together on Landsgemeindeplatz square for Landsgemeinde - to elect the local government and to decide on matters of importance for the state.
At noon, the members of the government and of the highest court join in, walking with guests to the square. Colourful flags are waved and a traditional composition is played.
Until 1991, a sword was the necessary identification if you wanted to vote. That's no longer compulsory, but men (and only men) can still choose to use one instead of an ID card. Most of them do, so check out the good burghers with their foils, which are often very old family heirlooms.
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