Government and politics in Nidwalden (Zentralschweiz, Switzerland): official figures
The canton of Nidwalden is run by a 7-member cantonal government, elected in 2026, and a 60-seat cantonal parliament, last elected in 2026.
Which party is largest in Nidwalden?
The largest party in the cantonal parliament of Nidwalden after the 2026 election is the Swiss People's Party (SVP) with 17 of 60 seats (28.3%).
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyHow many women are in the Nidwalden parliament?
Women won 17 of the 60 seats in the Nidwalden parliament in 2026, a share of 28.3% (all cantonal parliaments: 35.0%).
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyWhich parties are in the government of Nidwalden?
The 7 seats of the Nidwalden cantonal government (elected 2026, as recorded on 18 October 2026) are held by: Centre party (Die Mitte) 3, Swiss People's Party (SVP) 2, FDP (The Liberals) 1, Green Liberals (GLP) 1.
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyWho governs the canton of Nidwalden?
In Nidwalden the Centre party (Die Mitte) holds the most seats on the cantonal executive, 3 of 7, and 4 different parties are represented in it.
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyMore figures
- Seats in the Nidwalden parliament elected in 2026: Swiss People's Party (SVP) 17, FDP (The Liberals) 15, Centre party (Die Mitte) 15, Green Liberals (GLP) 5, Greens 5, Social Democrats (SP) 3. Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copy
- With 60 members for 45,664 residents, the Nidwalden parliament has one seat for every 761 people. Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copy
How Nidwalden compares with other cantons in Switzerland
Women in the cantonal parliament (% of seats, latest election) (2026)
Nidwalden ranks 19 of 26, highest first.
| Rank | Area | Women in the cantonal parliament (% of seats, latest election) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Jura | 31.7% |
| 17 | Thurgau | 30.8% |
| 18 | Aargau | 30.0% |
| 19 | Nidwalden | 28.3% |
| 20 | St. Gallen | 28.3% |
| 21 | Zug | 27.5% |
| 22 | Glarus | 26.7% |
Seat share of the largest party in the cantonal parliament (%) (2026)
Nidwalden ranks 17 of 25, highest first.
| Rank | Area | Seat share of the largest party in the cantonal parliament (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Neuchâtel | 30.0% |
| 15 | Graubünden / Grigioni / Grischun | 29.2% |
| 16 | Jura | 28.3% |
| 17 | Nidwalden | 28.3% |
| 18 | Luzern | 26.7% |
| 19 | Zürich | 25.6% |
| 20 | Solothurn | 25.0% |
Residents per cantonal parliament seat (2025 population) (2026)
Nidwalden ranks 22 of 26, highest first.
| Rank | Area | Residents per cantonal parliament seat (2025 population) |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Schaffhausen | 1,501 |
| 20 | Jura | 1,253 |
| 21 | Appenzell Ausserrhoden | 880 |
| 22 | Nidwalden | 761 |
| 23 | Obwalden | 725 |
| 24 | Glarus | 708 |
| 25 | Uri | 603 |
SVP share of seats in the cantonal parliament (%) (2026)
Nidwalden ranks 10 of 25, highest first.
| Rank | Area | SVP share of seats in the cantonal parliament (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Thurgau | 32.3% |
| 8 | Bern / Berne | 31.9% |
| 9 | Graubünden / Grigioni / Grischun | 29.2% |
| 10 | Nidwalden | 28.3% |
| 11 | Uri | 26.6% |
| 12 | Zürich | 25.6% |
| 13 | Solothurn | 25.0% |
SP share of seats in the cantonal parliament (%) (2026)
Nidwalden ranks 25 of 25, highest first.
| Rank | Area | SP share of seats in the cantonal parliament (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Thurgau | 13.8% |
| 20 | Ticino | 12.2% |
| 21 | Glarus | 10.0% |
| 22 | Zug | 10.0% |
| 23 | Obwalden | 7.3% |
| 24 | Uri | 6.2% |
| 25 | Nidwalden | 5.0% |
More on Nidwalden: overview · economy and jobs · health · education and schools · poverty and living standards · government budget · Zentralschweiz · Switzerland
Sources
- Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS): Kantonale Parlamentswahlen: Mandatsverteilung nach Parteien, Geschlecht und Kantonen (elections counted up to 4 October 2026), read 24 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 fd812b0d11ac…)
- Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS): Kantonale Regierungswahlen: Mandatsverteilung nach Partei und Kanton (T 17.02.06.01, elections counted up to 18 October 2026), read 24 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 b0f5f46a4367…)
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