A delegation of 13 members of the Congress from 12 European countries, observed the local elections in the Netherlands on 19 March 2014, at the invitation of the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs. Pearl Pedergnana (Switzerland, L, SOC), Head of delegation and Rapporteur, presented the preliminary conclusions today at a briefing for media representatives, she underlined the openess, transparency and inclusiveness of the election process in this country. “We observed a pragmatic approach to the electoral management in the Netherlands which is well embedded in the overall socio-cultural set-up and tradition of the country,” stated Pearl Pedergnana. However, the Congress delegation raised a few points to be addressed by the Dutch authorities, in particular regarding the counting of the votes. The Congress delegation, noting the high number of competing parties, also invited the Netherlands to consider other regulations for the creation of parties and the introduction of thresholds. It also invited the Dutch authorities to consider the introduction of early voting by mail as well as advancing further on tools to vote via the Internet. Finally, the rapporteur regretted the absence of regulations concerning limitations of expenditure and sponsoring of party and campaign financing.

Press release