Tegenstem

Tegenstem is a term used in Dutch to describe a vote cast against a proposal in a formal decision-making process, such as a legislative vote, a council decision, or a referendum. It denotes explicit opposition, as opposed to abstention or non-voting.

In parliamentary practice, participants may cast a voorstem (for) or a tegenstem (against). The proposal's fate is determined by the balance between for and against votes according to the rules of the body. If the number of tegenstemen exceeds the number of voorstemen, the motion or bill fails. In some procedures, a tie may trigger a further decision by the presiding officer or by predefined rules.

In referendums, a tegenstem is counted among the total votes cast; votes cast for may be tallied separately. Abstentions typically do not count toward the yes/no result, though turnout requirements can affect whether the referendum is deemed valid.

The term is etymologically straightforward: tegen means against and stem means vote. Tegenstemmen can be singular or plural (tegenstem, tegenstemmen). It is used in Dutch-language media and official documents to indicate dissent or opposition.