Next month, on March 18, The Hague will hold its municipal elections. Many international residents are eligible to vote in these local elections, yet many are either unaware of their eligibility or unclear about the voting process, how to communicate their specific concerns to the City Council, and whom to vote for.
Expaterience, the unique English-language talk show produced by and for the international community in The Hague, is hosting a Municipal Elections Special on February 27 to change that.
This two-hour election special begins with an informative segment (in English) explaining voting rights, how municipal elections work, and highlighting key themes and topics in The Hague neighborhoods with a relatively high expat and international population.
The second hour of the Expaterience Municipal Elections Special features a unique TV debate (the only local TV debate in English), organized exclusively by Expaterience, between candidates from the four major political parties currently in the Municipal Council of The Hague.
• Coen Bom – Hart voor Den Haag
• Andrew van Esch – D66
• Maarten De Vuyst – GroenLinks-PvdA
• Benjamin Broekhuizen – VVD
Recording takes place on Friday, February 27 at the TV studio of Expaterience (to the southwest of downtown The Hague).
Take part:
International residents are invited to participate as studio audience members or potential TV show guests. Seats are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis: RSVP via expaterience@rtvdiscus.nl
What:Expaterience Municipal Elections Special – an informative session on voting rights and on issues and concerns of international citizens followed by a debate between election candidates of the major political parties
When: TV recording*Friday, February 27 at 2 PM-4 PM (guest arrival 1:30-1:45 PM)
Many internationals in The Hague do not realize they can vote in the municipal elections on 18 March. Even fewer feel confident about what the city council actually decides or where political parties stand on issues that affect daily life.
That is exactly why ACCESS, Volunteer The Hague and Holland Park Media are hosting The Hague Local Election Night in English.
This evening is designed to make local democracy clearer and more accessible. You will learn who can vote, how voting works, and what is at stake in The Hague. Almost all major political parties will be present to explain their priorities and answer your questions directly. No prior knowledge needed.
Being able to take part in local decision making is an important step in feeling settled and calling a city home. Whether you are voting for the first time or simply want to better understand how The Hague is run, this evening is for you.
Date and time 10 March from 5 PM to 9 PM
Location The Hague Tech, Waldorpstraat 5, 2521CA, The Hague
Join us and help spread the word so more residents know they have a voice.
What’s at stake? An in-depth analysis from the only Netherlands-based English-language TV show
Expaterience, the unrivaled English-language Dutch TV talk show created by and for expats and internationals will dedicate a special episode to the upcoming Dutch general elections on Saturday, October 25 — the only Netherlands-based TV production to do so in English.
For two hours, host Sanjay Sharma brings together guests with international backgrounds from journalism, politics, and business to discuss the key issues shaping the Netherlands’ election campaign: immigration, integration, housing, the economy, and social divisions.
Conversation topics include:
· Preview of the Dutch general elections, four days before Election Day on Wednesday, October 29
· The second national election in less than two years: what is going on in the Netherlands? Dutch politics explainer for newcomers
· What’s at stake for the Dutch, as well as for expats and internationals living in the Netherlands? Practical and financial; societal and cultural: will the country remain welcoming to newcomers?
Special report: ‘1.6 Million Unheard Voices’
In a special ‘Social Media Report’, Martin Simenrud explores a critical issue often overlooked — even during election season: the estimated 1.6 million foreign nationals who live and work in the Netherlands, contribute to its economy, and pay taxes, yet remain without a vote.
The segment examines the impact of the Dutch ‘renunciation rule,’ which requires new Dutch citizens to give up their original nationality. Martin investigates how this rule may influence the low level of political participation among foreign residents — and asks whether the Netherlands can truly call itself ‘inclusive’ if so many long-term contributors to society remain unheard at the ballot box.
Expaterience is RTV Discus’ unique English-language TV show and online/social media project. True to its name, the program focuses entirely on the stories and experiences of expats and internationals in the Netherlands, highlighting both their successes and the challenges they face in personal and professional life, situated within the context of key social issues and current international developments.
How to watch Expaterience on Saturday, October 25 and beyond:
11:00-13:00 LIVE STREAM and afterward: ON-DEMAND indefinitely
What can the Hague City Council mean for you? How can you influence decisions in the city? Who are our council members and what can they do for you? This is your chance to get to know all the ins and outs!
Come to ‘Meet your City Council’ and talk to our council members in an informal way.
For: International residents and entrepreneurs from The Hague (in English)
Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025
Location: Edith Stein College, Louis Couperusplein 33, The Hague
Time: 19:30 – 21:00 (doors open at 19:00 and afterwards there will be
drinks and you will have the opportunity to meet & mingle).
Whether you have a specific question, are curious about how local politics work or just want to get to know the city council; the council members would like to meet you and hear what is going on in your neighbourhood.
What can you expect?
Knowledge quiz: what do you know about the city council? Test your knowledge and learn more!
Speed date with the council: in small groups, you will talk to different council members. Ask your questions and share your ideas, concerns and wishes for your neighbourhood and the city.
Meet & Mingle: we end the evening with a drink and snacks, while you continue talking to council members and other internationals in an informal setting.
Register
Join the discussion and register before18 September via the registration form. For questions or registration, you can also
