I don't know... Maybe I should keep you updated. Just in case anyone's interested.

We have municipal elections coming up this week (March 3) and national elections later this year (June 9).

Let's start with a chart of political spectrum in The Netherlands, to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. These are the main political parties:


                                                      PROGRESSIVE
                                                              |
                                                              |
                   GL                                        |
                                                              |
                                                             D66
                                                              |
                            SP                               |
                                                              |
                                    PvdA                   |
LEFTWING ------------------------------------------------------------- VVD --------------- RIGHTWING
                                                              |
                                                              |     CDA
                                                              |
                                                   CU       |                                   TON
                                                              |
                                                              |                                              PVV
                                                              |        SGP
                                                              |
                                                              |
                                                     CONSERVATIVE

GL = GroenLinks (GreenLeft)
SP = Socialistische Partij (Socialist Party)
PvdA = Partij van de Arbeid (Labour Party)
D66 = Democraten '66 (Democrats)
CU = ChristenUnie (Christian's Union)
CDA = Christen-Democratisch Appèl (Christian-Democrats)
SGP = Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij (Dutch Reformed Party)
VVD = Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (Liberal-Democrats)
TON = Trots Op Nederland (Proud Of The Netherlands)
PVV = Partij Voor de Vrijheid (Party for Freedom)



Currently, our country has an interim government of CDA and CU, following the break-up of a three party coalition (of CDA, CU and PvdA).

Generally does the muncipal vote reflect how the general election vote is likely to go?  Or do people vote for the person rather than the party when considering local elections?

Like I said, we've got municipal elections coming up. This should get interesting, especially in my hometown... ::)

Our council consists of 31 seats. Currently, there are 12 parties represented in said council. Those twelve parties are (for an explanation of the abbreviations, see first post):

PvdA (8 seats)
VVD (6 seats)
CDA (4 seats)
SP (2 seats)
D66 (2 seats)
CU (2 seats)
Progressief Den Helder * (Progressive Den Helder, 2 seats)
GL (1 seat)
KiesKees * (ChooseKees, 1 seat)
PRINS Voor Behoorlijk Bestuur (PRINS For Decent Government, 1 seat)
Stadspartij Den Helder (City Party Den Helder, 1 seat)
Van Dongen & Van Dongen * (1 seat)

The good news is: three of these parties (marked * ) will no longer partake in the upcoming elections. The bad news is: there will be one other party partaking (TON, see my first post). So we could still end up with 10 parties in our council. That doesn't make it any easier to achieve anything in this city.

Generally does the muncipal vote reflect how the general election vote is likely to go?  Or do people vote for the person rather than the party when considering local elections?


In general, I think the municipal vote reflects the general vote. There may be local issues that cause people to vote for local parties, though.

Just tonight on national television, we had a party leader debate.

It was odd, though... It was supposed to be about the upcoming municipal elections, yet no municipal party leaders were invited - only six of the national party leaders.
Another odd thing: Geert Wilders, party leader of PVV, was present, but his party will only be partaking in TWO (!!) municipalities.
On the other hand: André Rouvoet, party leader of CU and thus effectively one of the leaders of our country, was NOT present. :-\\

The bad news is: there will be one other party partaking (TON, see my first post). So we could still end up with 10 parties in our council. That doesn't make it any easier to achieve anything in this city.


Welcome to Democracy!  :D

As far as I'm aware, none of our councils have that kind of mark-up (different system of voting may have something to do with it), but then, nothing of any great note gets achieved here either!

From the map, it looks like if y'all elect several candiates from each party, it will sort of average out in the middle.

From the map, it looks like if y'all elect several candiates from each party, it will sort of average out in the middle.


In theory, you're right. But of course real life ain't that simple because not all parties have an equal appeal.
Currently, CDA and PvdA are the largest parties (nationwide) but polls show an alarmingly high percentage of voters tending towards the rightwing parties TON and PVV.
Basically, PVV is a one-man party: founder and leader Geert Wilders (formerly a member of VVD) has autocratic power. You can't even become a member of the party, because there is no such thing as a membership - you can only become a sympathizer or follower. Apart from that, the party has extremist tendencies, especially when it comes to issues like islam. No other party is willing to form a coalition with PVV.

TON is lead by Rita Verdonk, also a former member of VVD. Though her ideas are less extreme, she comes across as a scatterbrain. Members of her party cause tongues to wag on a regular basis, and the whole organization seems somewhat wobbly.
Verdonk's latest howler was just yesterday. When asked what she thought of the local party leader of TON, she replied 'he is a great guy, he's gonna turn this town upside down.'. In fact, the local party leader is a woman... ::)

Results are coming in... As expected, CDA and PvdA are on the losing side. D66 and GL are in the winning mood. But the biggest winner is PVV: they've become the largest party in Almere and the second largest in The Hague (the only two municipalities they were partaking).

I hope this doesn't reflect the general vote in three months from now... :-\\

Results of the 2010 municipal elections in Den Helder



PARTY PvdAVVDCDASPStadspartij CU D66 KiesKees GL PRINS Den Helder Transparant TON

(%) 2006 23.6 18.6 13.8 11.4 6.7 6.7 6.2 4.7 4.3 3.1 0.9 -

(seats) 8 6 4 4 2 2 2 1 1 1 - -

(%) 2010 12.115.210.39.4 8.8 8.5 12.2 - 5.2 4.0 - 14.3

(seats) 4533 3 2 4 - 11 - 5



Notes:
- Following the 2006 elections, two members of SP left the party to form "Progressief Den Helder". That party did not run for 2010 elections.
- Following the 2006 elections, one member of Stadspartij Den Helder split off to form "Van Dongen & Van Dongen". He did not run for 2010 elections.
- Both KiesKees and Den Helder Transparant did not run for 2010 elections.
- TON was founded only after 2006 elections
- For an explanation of the abbreviations, see my previous posts.


So just when we thought things were bad, they've actually gotten worse. ::) Ten different parties in council, and we need at least four to form a majority (of 16 seats or more).

What alliances do you think will form?  And what alliances do you hope will form?

What alliances do you think will form?  And what alliances do you hope will form?


Prior to the elections, we had a PvdA/CDA/VVD alliance, but with all three parties losing seats they're hardly in a position to start negotiations.
But since traditionally, the largest party starts negotiations, it would be still be up to VVD. Most likely they'll be talking with TON, D66 and possibly Stadspartij; that would make a 17 seat majority. If that doesn't work out, it's anyone's guess what will happen next. They could swap Stadspartij for CDA or PvdA, and still end up with a majority. :-\\ But if TON isn't being cooperative, it's virtually impossible to form any sort of strong alliance that holds a majority.
Whatever happens, though, it's gonna be slightly leaning towards the right. There's no way to form a left(ish) alliance that holds a majority of seats.

Either way, it doesn't really matter. Chances are the new council will do pretty much the same as the one we've had, and that excludes listening to the citizens. ::)

As a result of the dramatically bad results at the municipal elections, Agnes Kant has stepped down as leader of the parliament party of SP.
She is being succeeded by Emile Roemer.

- There's been recounts in various municipalities, including Rotterdam.

- Not really related to the elections (although it might have some effect): Hans van Mierlo, one of the founders of D66, has died last Thursday. He was 78.

In the June 9th elections, I want to vote for the GroenLinks. Do you think they will let me?  ;) :D ;D ;D ;D




Cat

In the June 9th elections, I want to vote for the GroenLinks. Do you think they will let me?  ;) :D ;D ;D ;D




Cat


I think you'll have to apply for Dutch citizenship first. And seeing that those procedures can take years in Holland, I don't think you'll make it in time. Who knows, maybe you'll make it before the next elections.... ;)

Oh, and just to show you what a tolerant nation we are: the party leader of GroenLinks is a lesbian. I don't see that happening in the U.S. of A. anytime soon.

I think you'll have to apply for Dutch citizenship first. And seeing that those procedures can take years in Holland, I don't think you'll make it in time. Who knows, maybe you'll make it before the next elections.... ;)

Oh, and just to show you what a tolerant nation we are: the party leader of GroenLinks is a lesbian. I don't see that happening in the U.S. of A. anytime soon.



Your country IS so much more tolerant than this country is. When I was a kid, I was thought that the U.S. was the BEST country in the world. As I grew older and REALLY saw what my country is, I now know that the U.S. is NOT the best country in the world. In many respects, it is one of the worse. My hope is that my country will learn from yours, from Philbo's & Karen's (and others), from Whistledog's & Frank's (and others) and basically learn from the rest of the world. What a novel idea, huh?  :-\\



Cat

Your country IS so much more tolerant than this country is. When I was a kid, I was thought that the U.S. was the BEST country in the world. As I grew older and REALLY saw what my country is, I now know that the U.S. is NOT the best country in the world. In many respects, it is one of the worse. My hope is that my country will learn from yours, from Philbo's & Karen's (and others), from Whistledog's & Frank's (and others) and basically learn from the rest of the world. What a novel idea, huh?  :-\\



Cat


The problem is that most Americans do not think like you.

The problem is that most Americans do not think like you.



You are so right. If they did, we would have single-payer health care, campaign finance reform, livable wage requirements, & more renewable energy.  ;) :D ;D ;D ;D




Cat

Today is June 9, the day of our general elections.

According to the latest polls, CDA are down to 21 seats (from 41), which means they'll end up 4th largest party (from being the largest).
PvdA loses 2 (from 33 to 31) and VVD wins 9 (from 22 to 31), so the battle for largest party is still wide open.
Other winners are PVV (from 9 to 22 seats), GroenLinks (from 7 to 11) and D66 (from 3 to 10).
All this leads to seven parties in parliament with 10 seats or over, with the prospect of lengthy and difficult coalition talks ahead.


Following the dramatic early results, prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende has stepped down as party leader of CDA, and will not take his seat in parliament.

Today is June 9, the day of our general elections.

According to the latest polls, CDA are down to 21 seats (from 41), which means they'll end up 4th largest party (from being the largest).
PvdA loses 2 (from 33 to 31) and VVD wins 9 (from 22 to 31), so the battle for largest party is still wide open.
Other winners are PVV (from 9 to 22 seats), GroenLinks (from 7 to 11) and D66 (from 3 to 10).
All this leads to seven parties in parliament with 10 seats or over, with the prospect of lengthy and difficult coalition talks ahead.


Following the dramatic early results, prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende has stepped down as party leader of CDA, and will not take his seat in parliament.


But who cares?

OK, so these are the results of the Dutch general elections of June 9, 2010.

Party                              Seats (2010) | (+/-)  |    %     | (+/- %)  

CDA (Christian Democrats)                21 | (-20) | 13,7% | (-12,80%)
PvdA (Labour)                              30 | ( -3) | 19,6% | ( -1,60%)
SP (Socialists)                                15 | (-10) |  9,9% |  ( -6,70%)
VVD (Liberals)                                31 | (  9) | 20,4% | (  5,80%)
PVV (Party for Freedom)                  24 | ( 15) | 15,5% | (  9,60%)
GroenLinks (Green Party)                10 | (  3) |  6,6% | (  2,00%)
ChristenUnie (Progressive Christians)    5  | ( -1) |  3,3% | ( -0,70%)
D66 (Democrats ’66)                        10 | (  7) |  6,9% | (  4,90%)
PvdD (Party for Animal Welfare)            2  | (  0) |  1,3% | (  -0,50%)
SGP (Conservative Christians)              2  | (  0) |  1,7% | (  0,10%)
Other 2010                                  0 | ( N/A) |  1,1% | ( N/A)
Other 2006                                  0 | ( N/A) |  0,0% | ( N/A)

This makes the VVD the largest party of the country, for the first time in their 62 years of existence. FYI: as with many other parties in this list, they’ve had a larger following in the past, but they never were the biggest party.

CDA seem to have hit rock bottom, and are now at their lowest point ever. Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende has already stepped down as party leader.

Among the winners are also PVV, a right wing party lead by Geert Wilders. Their win is a big concern for all of those that treasure democracy. On one hand it’s a clear signal that people want change, while on the other hand PVV isn’t a democratic party. For one, you can’t even join the party. There’s no such thing as a membership. The party’s main focus is on calling a halt to what they call ‘the islamization of the Netherlands’. They preach tolerance and urge Moslem to integrate in our society – which sounds totally reasonable – but they also preach that Islam is not part of our cultural heritage. Put two and two together, and it’s easy to see that PVV fights their own crusade against Islam. And now they have some 1.5 million people behind them. A disturbing thought, to say the least.

Now to make things a little more tangible for you, here’s a link to a video that shows some interesting facts about the results of the elections. Commentary is in Dutch (obviously), so here’s some explanation:
- First graph shows the results for the entire province of Limburg, as compared to the 2006 elections.
- Second graph shows a survey of the municipalities with the biggest losses for CDA (Christian Democrats), as compared to the 2006 elections.
- Third graph shows a survey of the municipalities with the largest following for VVD (Liberals).
- Fourth graph shows a map of the Netherlands, colors representing the largest party per municipality following the 2006 elections. Green = CDA, red = PvdA (Labour)
- Fifth (and final) graph shows the same map, following the 2010 elections. The differences are astounding (apart from the northeast of the country). Green = CDA, red = PvdA, deep blue = VVD, light blue = PVV.

So what happens now?
Talks, talks and more talks… An informateur has been appointed by Her Majesty the Queen, to try and find ground for a possible coalition. For it is clear that a coalition needs to be formed: no party holds an absolute majority (of 76 or over). There are several possibilities at this point:

VVD + PVV + CDA : a combined total of 76 seats. Just enough for a majority. This is a highly unlikely combination, though, for various reasons: VVD and PVV have little in common (apart from both being right wing), CDA have lost considerably, and it’s a flimsy majority.

PvdA + VVD + GroenLinks + D66: a combined total of 81 seats. A four-party coalition is always tricky, and PvdA and VVD have been diametrically opposed prior to elections. This needs lots of talks, but I don’t think it’s entirely impossible.

PvdA + VVD + CDA: a combined total of 82 seats. Sort of a national coalition, to keep PVV out. This might work, but only as a last resort.

There are no other options, really. If talks don’t work out, it’s back to the ballot box – and we need a new parliament soon, preferably before the end of July. At this point, I’m betting on new elections.

That's the problem with a multiparty system.  Lots of luck

Maybe the Dutch need to form a new political party to solve all of these problems.  ;)

Thank you Henk, for enlightening all of us about your country. Karma to you.



Cat

I know you say you're betting on a new election as being the most likely to happen, but do you have a preferred option?  And, if you do have another election, do you think this will resolve everything or are votes likely to be cast in a similar way?

And I forgot if you said you used proportional representation voting or not.

That's the problem with a multiparty system.  Lots of luck


Thanks. We're gonna need it.


Maybe the Dutch need to form a new political party to solve all of these problems.  ;)


...and they'd be called Republicans? ::) ;)


Thank you Henk, for enlightening all of us about your country. Karma to you.



Cat


Thanks, Cat. Much appreciated.


I know you say you're betting on a new election as being the most likely to happen, but do you have a preferred option?  And, if you do have another election, do you think this will resolve everything or are votes likely to be cast in a similar way?

And I forgot if you said you used proportional representation voting or not.


My preferred option..? Gosh, that's a tough one. I don't like any of the options currently open. My hope is that whatever coalition we end up with doesn't hold, and we end up with new elections in, say, 2 years from now. Let's hope people have come to their senses by then.
New elections at this point are no solution. PVV might end up picking up more voters, and that's the last thing we like to see happening.

And yes, we use proportional representation.

UPDATE!


So what happens now?
Talks, talks and more talks… An informateur has been appointed by Her Majesty the Queen, to try and find ground for a possible coalition. For it is clear that a coalition needs to be formed: no party holds an absolute majority (of 76 or over). There are several possibilities at this point:

VVD + PVV + CDA : a combined total of 76 seats. Just enough for a majority. This is a highly unlikely combination, though, for various reasons: VVD and PVV have little in common (apart from both being right wing), CDA have lost considerably, and it’s a flimsy majority.


Well, that's off the table. PVV and VVD were willing to try and talk but only if CDA joined them at the table. CDA refused to talk, saying PVV and VVD needed to reach an agreement between the two of them before they would join. But that wasn't negotiable for VVD and PVV, so now those two parties point the finger at CDA.

Which leaves us with:


PvdA + VVD + GroenLinks + D66: a combined total of 81 seats. A four-party coalition is always tricky, and PvdA and VVD have been diametrically opposed prior to elections. This needs lots of talks, but I don’t think it’s entirely impossible.

PvdA + VVD + CDA: a combined total of 82 seats. Sort of a national coalition, to keep PVV out. This might work, but only as a last resort.



VVD don't feel much for the first, PvdA don't feel much for the second... but I think they'll still give the first option a try first.

UPDATE!

Well, that's off the table. PVV and VVD were willing to try and talk but only if CDA joined them at the table. CDA refused to talk, saying PVV and VVD needed to reach an agreement between the two of them before they would join. But that wasn't negotiable for VVD and PVV, so now those two parties point the finger at CDA.



I guess it made sense for the two larger parties to have some sort of agreement in place.



VVD don't feel much for the first, PvdA don't feel much for the second... but I think they'll still give the first option a try first.


The first option seems the most unworkable to me.  I think coalitions can work between to or maybe three parties, but four?  No way, that's too many to get agreement on anything, they'll spend all the time discussing/arguing and no time governing!

The first option seems the most unworkable to me.  I think coalitions can work between to or maybe three parties, but four?  No way, that's too many to get agreement on anything, they'll spend all the time discussing/arguing and no time governing!


True, but CDA don't feel like taking any governmental responsibilty at this point. They've lost considerably, so for now they're standing aside. Which means we're down to only one option, really. And that might lead to some troublesome four party coalition that holds for two years, if that. ::)

New elections?  But would they solve anything?

New elections?  But would they solve anything?


It's one of the options, but I don't think it'll solve anything. Not at this point, anyway.

There are still other options. One would be a coalition without VVD (for example: PvdA, D66, GroenLinks and CDA), or giving the first option (VVD, PVV, CDA) another try. Something (or someone) has got to give...

UPDATE!

About a week ago, a new informateur/negotiator was appointed, and today talks resumed to try and form a coalition of VVD + PvdA + GroenLinks + D66. It seems like this is the only realistic option left, so all parties informed are willing to give it a go.

After two and a half weeks of trying, talks have grinded to a halt. There's not gonna be a coalition of VVD + PvdA + GroenLinks + D66.

What now? :-\\

After two and a half weeks of trying, talks have grinded to a halt. There's not gonna be a coalition of VVD + PvdA + GroenLinks + D66.

What now? :-\\


Here in the states we call it gridlock

Here in the states we call it gridlock


We don't give up that easy. ;)

A new informateur has been appointed (apparently, the previous ones sucked...): former prime minister Ruud Lubbers. He's gonna start from scratch, although there's only two options left IMO: CDA + PvdA + VVD, or CDA + VVD + PVV.
PvdA and VVD have very different views on the necessary cutbacks, so looks like we're back to square one (CDA + VVD + PVV). ::)

And lo and behold...talks have started between VVD, PVV and CDA. Maybe there's some light at the end of the tunnel after all.

And lo and behold...talks have started between VVD, PVV and CDA. Maybe there's some light at the end of the tunnel after all.


After one week of talks in complete silence between the three party leaders, word is out that VVD and CDA are willing to go for a coalition with the support of PVV (though PVV will not effectively join the coalition).

So next step: talks between the three parties to come to an agreement.

Talk, talk, talk, sounds like US politics, although Obama has got some stuff done in spite of it.  Good luck

Talk, talk, talk, sounds like US politics, although Obama has got some stuff done in spite of it.  Good luck


Thanks, we'll need it. This is the first time in over 65 years we'll end up with a minority coalition in government.

Talks between VVD, CDA and PVV have come to an end, without reaching a final agreement.

PVV pulled the plug after growing resistence within CDA against collaboration with said party. So now we're back to square one (again). :-\\

crazy!

maybe someone will get around to suggesting new elections?

crazy!


I couldn't agree with you more.


maybe someone will get around to suggesting new elections?


That's one of the options left, but only as a last resort. It would be first in our history, though. So far we've always managed to form a coalition of some sort by talks. The record stands at 208 days of talks, so we're not done yet. :D

But things could be worse. Imagine living in Belgium right now. They've been without a proper government for the past two and a half years!

I couldn't agree with you more.

That's one of the options left, but only as a last resort. It would be first in our history, though. So far we've always managed to form a coalition of some sort by talks. The record stands at 208 days of talks, so we're not done yet. :D

But things could be worse. Imagine living in Belgium right now. They've been without a proper government for the past two and a half years!



I don't get that why any country would rather go without a proper government for so long than hold another election. I understand that elections have their problems & such but it seems to me to be less problems than not having a working government.



Cat

I don't get that why any country would rather go without a proper government for so long than hold another election. I understand that elections have their problems & such but it seems to me to be less problems than not having a working government.



Cat


FTR: Belgium has had new elections in said period. Freshly formed coalitions just didn't hold, and talks lead to nothing. Now it appears even the French speaking Belgians are considering the option of dividing the country into two smaller countries. It seems about the only option left.

I don't get that why any country would rather go without a proper government for so long than hold another election. I understand that elections have their problems & such but it seems to me to be less problems than not having a working government.


Coming from an American, not a Belgian, perspective, I'll take the other side of that. 

"No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session."
  - Mark Twain

If they can't pass any laws, they can't screw anything up any more than it's already screwed up.

Talks between VVD, CDA and PVV have come to an end, without reaching a final agreement.

PVV pulled the plug after growing resistence within CDA against collaboration with said party. So now we're back to square one (again). :-\\


New developments!

One of the CDA members of parliament who showed growing concerns against the idea of a collaboration with PVV has unexpectedly left said party.
This lead to a change of heart for Geert Wilders, leader of PVV, who decided to resume talks after all, just when things seemed to take a turn for the hopeless.
In order to make sure everything is done by the book (i.e. Dutch law and legislation), a new informateur has been appointed to check out the possibilities. Well, we all know that his job will turn out to be rather superfluous...but it's the law!

So we can safely assume that talks between CDA, VVD and PVV will resume. Mind you, there's still two other CDA party members that may or may not frustrate said talks... :-\\

Coming from an American, not a Belgian, perspective, I'll take the other side of that. 

"No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session."
  - Mark Twain

If they can't pass any laws, they can't screw anything up any more than it's already screwed up.



That is true to an extent.



Cat

After weeks of talks, the three political leaders of VVD, CDA and PVV have finally reached an agreement. Or rather, two agreements: one between VVD and CDA for the actual government, and one between all three parties to secure the support of PVV for the government.

Subsequently, the agreements were presented to all members of parliament (MP's) of said three parties. As expected, VVD and PVV were quick to approve, but it took 16 hours of talk for CDA to come to terms with the agreements. And even now it's unclear whether all 21 MP's of CDA will give their full approval. It's all up to the general party meeting of CDA this weekend. At least 4,000 CDA members are expected to turn up for the general party meeting. There's no way of predicting what the outcome will be.

So, in short: we have an agreement, but not everyone agrees with it.

So, in short: we have an agreement, but not everyone agrees with it.


I guess only politicians could spend all that time to get an outcome like that!  :D

I guess only politicians could spend all that time to get an outcome like that!  :D


Even with everyone aboard, it would still be a flimsy majority (76 out of 150). So whatever the outcome of today's party meeting, the coalition is still very likely to disintegrate within the next two years.

Final result of the CDA party meeting today: the agreements are supported by 68% of members present, while 32% are against.

This means that it's now up to the two remaining dissident MP's within CDA to finally take a stand. Will they support the agreements, or won't they? If not, there's no majority for the VVD/CDA/PVV coalition.

It is now official: there's going to be a VVD/CDA coalition, with the support of PVV.

This weekend (and probably next week) will see talks to fill in the positions in the actual government. Several positions have already been taken by now; there's only three positions left.

It is now official: there's going to be a VVD/CDA coalition, with the support of PVV.

This weekend (and probably next week) will see talks to fill in the positions in the actual government. Several positions have already been taken by now; there's only three positions left.
Coalition, now that word sounds familiar?

The new government has been officially sworn in last Wednesday. We'll see how long it will hold...

Still holding, although the coalition is seriously obstructed by the fact that the three parties don't hold a majority in the "Eerste Kamer" (the Dutch Senate).

That is why today's elections are of great importance. Today is the day of new provincial elections, and the provincial governments are responsible for appointing members of Senate. It's almost as complicated as U.S. elections... Latest polls suggest the three parties (CDA, VVD and PVV) will end up 4 seats short of a majority in Senate.

And just because nobody's asking...

It's too close to call. Looks like the coalition will end up one or two seats short of a majority in Senate, but we won't know for sure until May 23rd (when the new members of Senate are appointed/elected by our provincial governments).

Henk

What voting system is used in The Netherlands?  Do you have a first past the post system or is proportional representation used?

Next month there will be a referendum in the UK about the possibility of changing the way we vote.  Currently we only cast one vote and the person with the most votes is elected.  Then the party with the most elected members forms the government.  However some people want to swap to Alternative voting.  In this system you rank your candidates in order of preference.  I've voted using this system in student elections but I'm not sure if it would work for electing councillors/MPs

Henk

What voting system is used in The Netherlands?  Do you have a first past the post system or is proportional representation used?

Next month there will be a referendum in the UK about the possibility of changing the way we vote.  Currently we only cast one vote and the person with the most votes is elected.  Then the party with the most elected members forms the government.  However some people want to swap to Alternative voting.  In this system you rank your candidates in order of preference.  I've voted using this system in student elections but I'm not sure if it would work for electing councillors/MPs


For most governmental bodies (Tweede Kamer , provincial governments and municipal governments) we use proportional representation. Members of Senate however are elected by members of the provincial governments. It's a bit complicated to explain. Members of provincial governments are free to elect whomever they want from the list of candidates, but in most cases they will elect a member of their own party (only makes sense to do so). So in theory, once you know what the provincial governments look like, you can predict what Senate will look like. But that's the theory...