District merger off to smooth start

At the political level, next year’s district merger is off to a smooth start, reveals a survey among 146 (district) council members carried out by News from Amsterdam. Respondents expect that the PvdA will remain the largest party in Amsterdam in the March 2010 election and that the economy will be the foremost election issue.

In districts set to merge, 78% of respondents say that collaboration with fellow party members from the other districts has already started, for example in recruiting candidates and writing the election platform. The majority (94%) say this collaboration is proceeding (very) smoothly.

As a result of the merger, there will be fewer council seats available in 2010. Most council members are not discouraged: 69% will (probably) again put themselves forward for the council; 13% may do so and the rest (probably) not. Those who quit often cite health reasons or say they think 8 or 12 years of being a council member is enough. A council member who will again be available explains: “I enjoy it!” One city council member is making a switch to a district council.

Shanta Singh (D66, De Baarsjes), says that there will be a lot of candidates to lead the party in the newly merged district. She is a candidate herself as well.

A few district council members will quit because they represent a local independent party and expect that their party will not be able to function well in a merged district. Incidentally, a respondent in West says that there are talks about a possible merger of independent parties.

The major election themes will be the economy and employment, (criticism of) the multicultural society and poverty, respondents expect. Housing, traffic / parking, safety and environment / clean air are also often named. Art and culture is named only by a small minority. ‘Other issues’ suggested by respondents include education and the North/South metro line.

In the European election earlier this month, the PvdA emerged as Amsterdam’s third party, after D66 and GroenLinks. However, respondents expect the PvdA to become the largest party again next year, with 12 seats on the city council - which is still a significant loss relative to its current 20 seats. D66 will grow considerably from 2 to 6 seats and Geert Wilders’ PVV could win 3 seats, respondents expect. Of course, the outcome will depend on whether the PVV will participate in Amsterdam.

Turnout can have a considerable impact on the election outcome as well. Four years ago, districts and community organisations engaged in a variety of get-out-the-vote activities. Respondents say that raising turnout is primarily a task for political parties (77%) and for themselves as politicians (68%). To a lesser degree, they also see a role for the municipality (59%), the district (49%), the national government (46%) and community organisations (36%).

Eight percent say that getting out the vote is unnecessary because people should decide for themselves whether or not to vote. One of them explains: “Its enough for politicians to be clear about their message, in order for the public to know what they’re voting for.”

Lydia Geijtenbeek (AA/DG, Centrum) disagrees: “Democracy only works when people consider it their right and duty to vote. Talk to your co-workers, friends, family and neighbours. That’s the most effective way!” And Leen van den Berg of Buurt en Westerpark suggests: “In advertisements, well-known people with diverse backgrounds could call on the public to vote, underlining the importance in a short statement. Preferably no politicians in this category!”