Swiss Election: UDC’s Thuillard Gains Ground in Vaud Canton – Results & Updates

UDC Gains Ground in Vaud Cantonal Election, Forcing Second Round

The first round of the Vaud cantonal election to fill a vacant seat on the Conseil d’État has delivered a surprise result, with UDC candidate Jean-François Thuillard taking the lead. The outcome sets the stage for a head-to-head contest with Socialist Roger Nordmann on March 29th, after a stronger-than-anticipated showing by the UDC signals a shift in the canton’s political landscape. The election was called following the resignation of Rebecca Ruiz from the Conseil d’État.

A Tight Race and Unexpected Results

Jean-François Thuillard secured 45.07% of the vote, narrowly edging out Roger Nordmann, who received 44.22%, according to initial results reported on March 8th, 2026. The margin between the two leading candidates is currently around 1,000 votes, indicating a closely contested race. Agathe Raboud Sidorenko of Ensemble à gauche (EàG) garnered 7.78% of the vote, a result described as “honorable” despite her subsequent decision to withdraw from the competition.

This outcome is considered a notable achievement for the UDC, particularly given expectations that Nordmann would easily retain the seat previously held by a Socialist. The results suggest a growing appeal for the UDC’s platform within Vaud’s urban centers, traditionally strongholds for left-leaning parties.

Sidorenko’s Withdrawal and its Implications

Agathe Raboud Sidorenko’s decision to step aside for the second round, despite a respectable showing, is a significant development. She acknowledged that while her 7.78% represented nearly 18,000 voters who oppose the austerity measures pursued by the current Council d’État – which includes the PS and Les Vert·e·s – her party lacked the resources to effectively compete in a second round.

Sidorenko’s withdrawal effectively clears the path for a direct showdown between the UDC and the Socialists, and Ensemble à gauche has called for voters to rally behind Nordmann to prevent a UDC victory. This call for a “barrage” against the UDC underscores the high stakes of the election and the potential for a significant shift in the balance of power within the Vaud cantonal government.

Understanding the Vaud Electoral Process

The Conseil d’État is the executive branch of the Vaud canton, functioning as a seven-member governing council. Members are elected by popular vote for a term of five years. When a seat becomes vacant, as in this case, a by-election is held to fill the remaining term. The election process involves two rounds of voting. If no candidate secures an absolute majority (more than 50%) in the first round, a second round is held between the top two candidates.

The second round, scheduled for March 29th, will be crucial in determining whether the UDC can capitalize on its momentum and secure a seat on the Conseil d’État, or whether the Socialists can mobilize enough support to retain control.

A Look at the Candidates

Jean-François Thuillard (UDC): Thuillard brings a wealth of experience to the race, having served as the syndic of Froideville for over two decades, as well as a member of the Grand Conseil. He is also an active farmer. His strong performance in the first round suggests a resonance with voters concerned about issues such as agricultural policy and local governance.

Roger Nordmann (PS): Nordmann, a former National Councillor, was widely considered the frontrunner in the election. He is tasked with defending the Socialist’s seat and preventing the UDC from gaining a foothold on the Conseil d’État. His campaign will likely focus on emphasizing the importance of social programs and environmental protection.

Agathe Raboud Sidorenko (Ensemble à gauche): While she has withdrawn from the second round, Sidorenko’s candidacy highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the current Council d’État’s austerity measures. Her 7.79% of the vote – representing 17,943 ballots – demonstrates a significant base of support for a more progressive agenda within the canton. She achieved particularly strong results in Vevey (17%) and Lausanne (15%).

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be critical as both Thuillard and Nordmann intensify their campaigns. Expect to see increased efforts to mobilize voters and articulate their respective visions for the canton. The second round on March 29th will ultimately determine whether the UDC can break through in Vaud, or whether the Socialists can hold onto their position. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the political landscape of the canton and the direction of its future policies.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed: Jean-François Thuillard received 45.07% of the vote in the first round. Roger Nordmann received 44.22%. Agathe Raboud Sidorenko received 7.78% and has withdrawn from the race. A second round will be held on March 29th.

Unclear: The specific strategies each candidate will employ in the second round remain to be seen. It is also unclear how Sidorenko’s supporters will ultimately vote in the second round. The impact of potential endorsements from other political parties has not been independently confirmed.

Numbers That Matter

45.07%: Percentage of votes received by Jean-François Thuillard in the first round.
44.22%: Percentage of votes received by Roger Nordmann in the first round.
7.78%: Percentage of votes received by Agathe Raboud Sidorenko in the first round.
1,000: Approximate vote difference between Thuillard and Nordmann.
17,943: Number of votes received by Agathe Raboud Sidorenko.
March 29th: Date of the second round of the election.

Background: Vaud Cantonal Politics

Vaud is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland, located in the western part of the country. Historically, the canton has been a stronghold for left-leaning parties, particularly the Social Democrats and the Greens. However, in recent years, the UDC has been gaining ground, appealing to voters concerned about issues such as immigration, security, and economic competitiveness. The canton’s economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, tourism, and financial services. The political climate is generally stable, but the recent election results suggest a growing polarization and a potential shift in the balance of power.

Reader FAQ

Q: What is the Conseil d’État? A: The Conseil d’État is the executive branch of the Vaud canton, responsible for governing the canton and implementing its laws.

Q: Why was this election necessary? A: The election was called to fill the seat vacated by Rebecca Ruiz, who resigned from the Conseil d’État.

Q: What does the UDC stand for? A: UDC stands for Union Démocratique du Centre (Democratic Union of the Centre), a right-wing political party in Switzerland.

Q: What is Ensemble à gauche? A: Ensemble à gauche is a left-wing political alliance in Vaud, bringing together various progressive parties.

Q: Will Agathe Raboud Sidorenko endorse either candidate? A: As of March 9th, 2026, Sidorenko has not publicly endorsed either candidate.

Political and Strategic Implications

The strong showing by Jean-François Thuillard represents a significant strategic win for the UDC. It demonstrates the party’s ability to appeal to voters beyond its traditional base and to challenge the dominance of the left in Vaud. A UDC victory in the second round would not only offer the party a seat on the Conseil d’État but also send a strong signal to other cantons and to the federal government. For the Socialists, the election represents a major challenge. Losing this seat would weaken their position in the cantonal government and could embolden the UDC to pursue a more assertive agenda. The outcome will be closely watched by political observers across Switzerland.