Why the Provincial Council Elections matter, especially to civil society organisations

Provincial governments influence issues that directly affect people’s everyday lives, including housing, accessibility, nature, a healthy living environment, the regional economy, quality of life and the allocation of space. In addition, the members of the Provincial Councils elect the members of the Senate. These elections therefore have not only provincial significance, but national political significance as well.

Provincial Governments Shape the Conditions

Many societal challenges do not fit neatly within administrative boundaries. Health is connected to air quality, mobility, financial security, access to green spaces and the availability of services. Quality of life depends on housing, public transport, social cohesion, employment and safety. Provincial governments also play an important role in deciding how space is allocated to nature, agriculture, energy, healthcare facilities and housing.

This is precisely why the Provincial Council elections are relevant to organisations working to create public value. Not because provincial governments are always directly responsible for healthcare, welfare or poverty policy, but because they often influence the conditions that enable people to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.

The Election Period Starts Before the Campaign

Organisations seeking to exert influence should not wait until the polling stations are about to open. Political parties begin developing their election manifestos well in advance. Manifesto committees gather input, assess signals from society and look for concrete proposals that align with their political priorities.

This creates an opportunity for civil society organisations. Not through lengthy policy papers, but through clear and well-supported proposals: what is the problem, why is it relevant at the provincial level, and what concrete commitment could be included in an election manifesto?

Examples include proposals on healthy living environments, accessible services, regional prevention policies, volunteering, social infrastructure, nature and health, or access to healthcare and support services in rural areas.

From Election Manifesto to Coalition Agreement

After the elections, a second important phase begins: the formation of the new provincial government. Political parties negotiate a new provincial coalition agreement, which sets out the political priorities, portfolios, style of government and often the main financial priorities for the coming years.

This is a crucial moment for organisations seeking to place their issues on the provincial agenda. An issue that appears in several election manifestos is more likely to be included in the negotiations. A well-formulated proposal may ultimately be incorporated into the coalition agreement, an implementation agenda or a provincial programme.

Timing is essential, as is political sensitivity. Which parties are likely to play a role in the new government? What language do they use? Where are the points of common ground? And how can a societal ambition be translated into an administratively feasible commitment?

What Does This Require from Organisations?

The Provincial Council elections offer opportunities, but they also require preparation. Organisations would be wise to establish in good time:

• which provinces are most relevant to their work;

• which themes already receive attention in existing coalition agreements and how they can build on this;

• which political parties and spokespersons are important;

• which moments are suitable for meetings, working visits or written input;

• how they will remain visible after the elections to informateurs, negotiators and the newly appointed provincial executives.

An effective provincial strategy is therefore not a one-off letter, but a route: from analysis to messaging, from manifesto committees to the campaign, and from the election results to the coalition agreement.

Those Who Want to Influence Policy Must Start Now

The Provincial Council elections are about more than the distribution of provincial seats. They concern the way the Netherlands is organised, the choices made at regional level and the conditions required for a healthy, liveable and future-proof society.

For civil society organisations, this is the moment to look ahead. What role does the province play in the challenge we are addressing, and how can we ensure that our issues are placed on the agenda in time?

Organisations that want to exert influence in 2027 should not wait until after the elections. They should start now.

How Van Oort Public Affairs Can Help

Van Oort Public Affairs supports organisations in identifying the right route through this process. This can start on a small scale, for example with an analysis of existing provincial coalition agreements or a short online training session on the opportunities for public affairs and advocacy.

Our support can also be more comprehensive, including monitoring party manifestos, advising on submissions to manifesto committees, preparing meetings with political parties or analysing new coalition agreements after the formation process.

Our role is to help translate your organisation’s societal objectives into political timing, administrative language and concrete opportunities to exert influence. This ensures that you not only communicate the substance of your message, but also know when, to whom and in what way it can most effectively be placed on the agenda.

Would you like to discuss this with us? Please contact us to explore how we can support your organisation.