Grand Council of Valais
The Grand Council of the Canton of Valais (Le Grand Conseil du canton du Valais ) is the legislative authority of the canton of Valais.
General
The Valais Great Council was created in 1839. Because of the historical importance of the Zenden in the former district of the Republic of Valais, collapsing or district wise election of deputies was maintained despite different size of the constituencies.
Between 1839 and 1909 a Grand Council mandate came to 1,000 district residents. This value was raised at the Grand Conseil election of 1913 to 1100 inhabitants. The reduction of the Great Council to a maximum of 130 members took place in the election of 1953.
In the years 1839-1847 the United councils were elected by electors who abordneten the communities to the election meeting of the Zenden. For every 100 residents of a community came a choice man. Between 1847 and 1852, the district residents elected their deputies directly to the election meeting. The list election in 1852 made possible. The choice of large councils will be held in the communities since 1857. Thus the urn choice with the ballot was introduced. The proportional representation in 1921 came the first time to apply.
The term of office was for two years and in 1847 extended to five years. Since 1857, the Legislature shall be four years.
A special feature is the simultaneous election of substitute people, the so-called substitutes. 1847 came a a Substitute on two major councils. Since 1852 many substitutes as large councilors are elected the same.