Swiss People’s Party candidate wins Romanshorn’s council replacement election

A decisive win for the SVP reshapes Romanshorn’s council—but low turnout raises questions. How will Stäheli’s leadership impact the town’s future?

, and Administrator

2025 December 3 . 1:32 AM

1 min read

This is the picture of a city. In this image there are buildings and there are group of people on... — This is the picture of a city. In this image there are buildings and there are group of people on the road and there are poles and there are boards and there is a flag on the building. At the top there is sky. At the bottom there is a road.

Swiss People’s Party candidate wins Romanshorn’s council replacement election

Björn Stäheli of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has won the first round of Romanshorn’s replacement election for the town council. The vote was called after Melanie Zellweger, the former civil engineering and transportation councillor, resigned at the end of November 2025. Stäheli will now serve out the rest of the 2023–2027 term, starting December 1, 2025.

The special election saw a turnout of 36.03%, with 2,333 of 6,476 eligible voters participating. Stäheli secured 1,195 votes, exceeding the absolute majority threshold of 1,075. His closest rival, independent candidate Raphael Rohner, received 839 votes. Ronaldo Goldberger, who had withdrawn from the race, still appeared on the ballot and collected 76 votes, while 39 ballots went to other scattered candidates.

Stäheli’s victory ensures the SVP retains its seat on the council. He will take office on December 1, 2025, with his departmental duties to be confirmed the following day. The election results reflect a clear mandate, though voter participation remained below half of the electorate.