Ref. Ares(2019)2394795 - 04/04/2019
European
cooperation network
on elections
21 January 2019
1
Content
• Conventional safeguards in online context
• The election process in the Netherlands
• Dutch approach on disinformation
• Rules on campaigning?
• Ongoing debate
2
Conventional safeguards
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of press
• Freedom of association
• Transparancy
3
Election process in the Netherlands
- Paper ballots
- Manual count in
polling stations
- No voting machines
- Paper reports of
results
- Counting in public
Transparancy and checkability
4
Election process in the Netherlands
Since 2007 no electronic voting.
Digital tools:
a. Voter registration (BRP)
b. Turnout application (StembureauApp)
c. Tabulation software (OSV)
Transparancy and checkability
5
Disinformation – and a resilient society
Freedom of expression and press / Transparancy
• NL welcomes EU Action Plan on disinformation
• Battling disinformation not an easy task
• Government, independent media, online platforms and scientific
community: striking the right balance.
• Resilient society is the best defense
6
Dutch approach on disinformation
• So far, limited impact of disinformation in Dutch society, due to pluralist
media landscape
• Awareness raising campaign starting in February 2019
• Main message: we should be aware that disinformation exists
• Media literacy while people remain responsible in which way to use
information
• Campaign in full respect of freedom of speech and press
• No judgements by government given on truthfulness of content
7
Rules on campaigning?
Freedom of association / Transparancy
• No campaign or silence period, no ban on electoral polls
• Only restriction: campaigning in vicinity polling station prohibited
• Some practical restrictions in local regulations
• Use of public broadcasting
• Disclosure contributions political parties
4 april 2019
| Voettekst
8
Ongoing debate
• Several commissions
• Ban on foreign funding
• Political advertising
• Digital campaigning
• Political Parties Act
• Upholding a resilient and open information society; rule of law and
transparancy as a common thread
4 april 2019 | Voettekst
9