News item | 23-12-2022 | 6:44 pm
The Electoral Council will be given additional tasks and powers to assess and further promote the quality of the election process. This is stated in a bill by Minister Hanke Bruins Slot (Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations) that will go into consultation today. In the bill, the Electoral Council will be responsible for supporting municipalities and polling stations in carrying out their tasks related to the elections. The Electoral Council will be given additional tasks and powers in assessing the proper conduct of elections.
The Electoral Council is the most important advisor to governments in the field of elections and the election process. The expansion of tasks for the Electoral Council is an important part of the Election Agenda 2030, which has been drawn up by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, VNG, NVVB and the Electoral Council.
Hanke Bruins Slot: “In our democracy, casting your vote is the best way to influence what happens in our country. That is why we must set the highest standards for the electoral process and keep asking ourselves how it can be improved. Voters must be able to rely on voting in elections that are reliable, verifiable and transparent. As an independent expert, the Electoral Council is the right party to maintain confidence in the election process.”
The bill provides that the Electoral Council will be responsible for:
1. Supporting the organization of elections with, among other things, instructions and quality standards prior to elections;
2. Checking whether the Elections Act is being acted during the elections, and making adjustments on that basis if necessary;
3. Assessing the course of the election, via reporting and advice afterwards.
In addition to these new responsibilities, the Electoral Council will remain the central electoral committee in national elections for the members of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Dutch representation in the European Parliament. The Electoral Council will also continue to advise the government and the States General on the electoral process and the implementation aspects of electoral law.
Bill under consultation
During the consultation period, involved organizations and interested parties can respond to the bill. Until 17 February 2023, reactions to the bill can be submitted via www.internetconsultatie.nl. After the consultation responses have been processed, the bill will be submitted to the Advisory Department of the Council of State for advice.