Communications consultant launches virtual election bistro

 Mark Balsiger, founder of the Bern-based communications agency Border Crossing, has launched a virtual election bistro. It is intended to facilitate political debates around the clock. The initiator sees the platform as a response to the almost extinct tradition of politicians and politically interested people discussing issues at the regulars' table or in the "Säli" of the village pub. The Wahlbistro.ch platform cooperates with the online voting aid Smartvote. Candidates can post their key data and a portrait photo on Wahlbistro. With thoughtful comments and their photo, they have the opportunity to make themselves better known, according to a press release. Balsiger moderates the debates in the election bistro together with political scientist Monika Tschumi, who also works at Border Crossing.
The project is to be financed through sponsorship and advertising. A media partner is currently being sought.