Indications last night were that Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s VVD would remain the biggest party of the Netherlands and even gain a few seats in the Second Chamber of Parliament. While governing partner CDA stood to lose several, also coalition member D66 was projected to grow significantly.
Such a result makes a similar government led by Rutte and its current approach towards the Dutch Caribbean probable. That is no doubt a reassuring thought to many who may feel that without coronavirus-related liquidity support going forward the socioeconomic crisis will quickly worsen on the islands, although politics in The Hague are usually characterised by a considerable measure of continuity in policy.
Notable in this election was the large number of parties, with only 17 of 37 – less than half – expected to earn one or more of the 150 seats. The same thing is likely to happen on Friday in Curaçao, where a record 15 parties are vying for 21 seats.
In both cases it seems like a bit of a waste and raises the question why all these forces cannot be joined to greater extent. Of course, each has its own principles, ideas and plans, and diversity is important.
However, democracy is all about representation. Citizens vote persons into legislative office and a majority then nominates the Council of Ministers.
The latter public administrators are thus delegated to run the country on behalf of the entire community. The more fragmented politics become, the harder this process gets.
Too much polarisation, lack of tolerance, and division do not contribute to effective decision-making. If every group in society wants its own party, it makes finding common ground increasingly difficult.
