This paper provides a first comparative analysis of how candidates use and perceive VAAs. It focuses on Switzerland and Luxembourg as the same VAA (Smartvote) was implemented in both of those countries which share a similar electoral system allowing for inter-party panachage. Candidates were interrogated on the basis of the same comparative candidate survey (CCS that is already used in 30 countries) to which specific questions on Smartvote were added. The objective of study is to define to what extent differences in the perception and use of the candidates can be explained by individual-level factors, institutional variables and traditional electoral behaviour, and the time since the introduction of VAAs in the country.
