Members of BIJ1 have elected Rebekka Timmer as party chairman. Despite a negative advice from the selection committee, Timmer was the only remaining candidate for the presidency. She was previously on the board and is an employee of the House of Representatives faction. Timmer received 74 percent of the vote, a party spokesperson said.
“BIJ1 is entering a new phase thanks to the members,” says 22-year-old Timmer in a reaction after members elected her during a General Members’ Meeting. “It’s time to heal from a hectic period, reflect on what happened within our party, see what could be done better and what steps we need to take.”
It has been restless within the party in recent months. Last year BIJ1 broke with the number two on the list for the elections to the House of Representatives, Quinsy Gario. Former party chairman Jursica Mills first seemed to have a shot at a new term. But last week she announced her resignation. She cited “toxicity and favoritism” within the party as the reason.
After Mills withdrew, Timmer was the only remaining candidate. However, her candidacy was not without controversy. The selection committee gave a negative advice, which the Amsterdam branch of BIJ1 reportedly supported.