Government and politics in Obwalden (Zentralschweiz, Switzerland): official figures
The canton of Obwalden is run by a 5-member cantonal government, elected in 2026, and a 55-seat cantonal parliament, last elected in 2026.
Which party is largest in Obwalden?
The largest party in the cantonal parliament of Obwalden after the 2026 election is the Swiss People's Party (SVP) with 18 of 55 seats (32.7%).
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyHow many women are in the Obwalden parliament?
Women won 14 of the 55 seats in the Obwalden parliament in 2026, a share of 25.5% (all cantonal parliaments: 35.0%).
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyWhich parties are in the government of Obwalden?
The 5 seats of the Obwalden cantonal government (elected 2026, as recorded on 18 October 2026) are held by: Centre party (Die Mitte) 2, other lists 2, FDP (The Liberals) 1.
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyWho governs the canton of Obwalden?
No party dominates the Obwalden cantonal executive: no list holds more than 2 of its 5 seats, and 2 different parties are represented in it.
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyMore figures
- Seats in the Obwalden parliament elected in 2026: Swiss People's Party (SVP) 18, Centre party (Die Mitte) 15, FDP (The Liberals) 10, other lists 5, Social Democrats (SP) 4, Green Liberals (GLP) 3. Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copy
- With 55 members for 39,879 residents, the Obwalden parliament has one seat for every 725 people. Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copy
How Obwalden compares with other cantons in Switzerland
Women in the cantonal parliament (% of seats, latest election) (2026)
Obwalden ranks 23 of 26, highest first.
| Rank | Area | Women in the cantonal parliament (% of seats, latest election) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | St. Gallen | 28.3% |
| 21 | Zug | 27.5% |
| 22 | Glarus | 26.7% |
| 23 | Obwalden | 25.5% |
| 24 | Appenzell Innerrhoden | 22.0% |
| 25 | Uri | 21.9% |
| 26 | Schwyz | 20.0% |
Seat share of the largest party in the cantonal parliament (%) (2026)
Obwalden ranks 9 of 25, highest first.
| Rank | Area | Seat share of the largest party in the cantonal parliament (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Uri | 34.4% |
| 7 | Aargau | 34.3% |
| 8 | Vaud | 33.3% |
| 9 | Obwalden | 32.7% |
| 10 | Appenzell Ausserrhoden | 32.3% |
| 11 | Thurgau | 32.3% |
| 12 | Bern / Berne | 31.9% |
Residents per cantonal parliament seat (2025 population) (2026)
Obwalden ranks 23 of 26, highest first.
| Rank | Area | Residents per cantonal parliament seat (2025 population) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Jura | 1,253 |
| 21 | Appenzell Ausserrhoden | 880 |
| 22 | Nidwalden | 761 |
| 23 | Obwalden | 725 |
| 24 | Glarus | 708 |
| 25 | Uri | 603 |
| 26 | Appenzell Innerrhoden | 338 |
SVP share of seats in the cantonal parliament (%) (2026)
Obwalden ranks 6 of 25, highest first.
| Rank | Area | SVP share of seats in the cantonal parliament (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Schaffhausen | 35.0% |
| 4 | St. Gallen | 35.0% |
| 5 | Aargau | 34.3% |
| 6 | Obwalden | 32.7% |
| 7 | Thurgau | 32.3% |
| 8 | Bern / Berne | 31.9% |
| 9 | Graubünden / Grigioni / Grischun | 29.2% |
SP share of seats in the cantonal parliament (%) (2026)
Obwalden ranks 23 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 Obwalden: 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…)
Each saved copy is the file exactly as downloaded, kept so the figures can be checked even if the source changes. Report an error.