mandaatregeling

Mandaatregeling is a term used in Dutch politics and governance to describe the set of rules that govern the allocation, holding, and transfer of mandates or seats in elected bodies. The concept is most visible in party-based, proportional representation systems where parties present lists of candidates and seats are allocated according to the order on those lists.

In practice, mandaatregelingen specify how vacancies are filled when a member resigns, leaves the body, or is otherwise unable to continue. Typically, a vacancy is filled by the next eligible person on the party’s electoral list from the most recent election, so as to preserve the proportional composition of the council or parliament. Some situations allow temporary replacements or deputies (plaatsvervangers) who can serve during a leave or absence. The rules may also determine whether a replacement must come from the same party list or if other criteria apply.

Many mandaatregelingen include provisions about internal party procedures for appointing substitutes, such as requiring approval from the party’s parliamentary group or aligning with coalition agreements. They may address complications such as a member switching party affiliation, the duration a replacement can serve, and whether by-elections are permissible or necessary under particular circumstances.

The mandate system aims to ensure continuity and respect for the electoral result while enabling functional governance when individual members cannot fulfill their mandate. Critics sometimes argue that reliance on party lists can lessen direct accountability to voters for individual representatives.