The Netherlands is facing criticism for the lengthy period required to organize new parliamentary elections, prompting suggestions for modernizing the electoral process. Following the fall of the government, the Electoral Council advises holding elections on October 29, a full 21 weeks later, which is significantly longer than the timelines observed in neighboring countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

This delay has sparked debate and proposals for reform. Calls are being made to adapt the Dutch election process to the 21st century by implementing measures to increase speed, potentially through computerization and improved postal voting systems. One suggestion is to follow Canada’s example, where elections were held within 4 to 5 weeks of being called.

Further complicating matters is the consideration of school holidays, which could potentially postpone the election date even further. This raises questions about the priority the House of Representatives places on holding elections promptly.

In addition to the timing, concerns have been raised about the size of the ballot papers. Suggestions have been made to reduce the number of parties on the ballot by requiring them to meet certain standards, such as passing the test of the Dutch Bar Association and submitting a program calculated by the Central Planning Bureau.

Furthermore, proposals have been put forth to introduce a “counter vote,” allowing voters to express disapproval of a party, and to combine the parliamentary elections with the municipal elections scheduled for 2026 to alleviate organizational pressure and reduce costs for municipalities. These measures aim to enhance transparency, clarity, and voter participation in the electoral process.