1. État, peuple, "Authorities" 10. Constitution and Other Fundamental Acts

1 The Government mandates the Interjurassian Assembly to conduct a study on a new political entity of a cantonal type comprising six districts, which are the districts of Courtelary, Delémont, Franches-Montagnes, Moutier, La Neuveville, and Porrentruy.

2 It invites the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern and the Confederation to confirm the mandate.

3 If the mandate is not confirmed pursuant to paragraph 2 or is not accepted by the Interjurassian Assembly, the Government shall proceed with the study.

1 The study mandate notably concerns

- the principle of a new canton with six districts;

- the definition of its boundaries;

- the seat of authorities and administrative services, their composition, and, where applicable, their mode of election;

- the representation in the Federal Chambers;

- the scope and exercise of the political rights of voters;

- the procedures for consulting the relevant populations, corporations, and authorities;

- the economic and financial aspects.

2 It includes a timeline for completion and specifies the resources made available to conduct the study.

The conclusions of the study by the Inter-Jura Assembly are addressed to the Government, the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern, and the Confederation.

1 After reviewing the conclusions of the study and discussing them with the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern, the Government formulates a proposal for shared sovereignty over the territory of the six districts.

2 However, it examines whether making the proposal first requires an amendment to the Constitution of the Republic and Canton of Jura and/or acceptance of the proposal by Parliament.

1 The proposal outlines the framework of a new sovereign canton consisting of six districts.

2 It ensures that the population of the six districts fully participates in the governance of a new canton. It specifically addresses the following aspects

- the location of authorities and administrative services, their composition, and, if applicable, their election process;

- representation in the Federal Chambers;

- the scope and exercise of political rights of the voters;

- the means of consulting the populations, corporations, and relevant authorities;

- the economic and financial aspects.

3 It aligns particularly with the principle of "confederal loyalty" (Art. 44, para. 2, of the Federal Constitution), Article 53 of the Federal Constitution, the agreement of March 25, 1994, and the will of the citizens of the six districts.

1 The proposal is addressed to the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern.

2 If the Inter-Jurassian Assembly has not conducted the study (Art. 1, para. 3), it is consulted on the conclusions of the study before a proposal is addressed to the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern.

1 The proposal aims to open negotiations between the cantons of Jura and Bern, represented by the Government and the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern.

2 The negotiations primarily concern the method of discussing the proposal with the representatives of the population of the districts of Courtelary, Moutier, and La Neuveville and the method of consulting them.

This law is subject to an optional referendum.

The Government establishes the entry into force of this law.