DOEN’22 emerges as largest party in Hardenberg municipal elections with record turnout
Hardenberg’s 2026 municipal elections saw a significant rise in voter participation, with DOEN’22 securing the most seats. Residents can now look forward to a new council, coalition talks, and a fresh political direction starting April 1st.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | 26 March 2026 |
| Turnout | 64.1% (32,263 of 50,342 eligible voters) |
| Previous Turnout (2022) | 55.2% |
| Total Seats | 33 |
| Largest Party | DOEN’22 |
| Farewell to Outgoing Council | 31 March 2026, 19:30 at Town Hall |
| New Council Installation | 1 April 2026, 19:00 at Town Hall |
| First New Council Meeting | 14 April 2026 |
| Coalition Scout | Eddy van Hijum |
| Live Broadcast | hardenberg.raadsinformatie.nl |
The municipal council of Hardenberg is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, budget allocation, and representing the interests of residents. These election results mark a transition of power and set the stage for future local decisions affecting daily life in Hardenberg.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Results of the 2026 municipal council elections
The results of the municipal council elections have been finalised. This took place on Thursday, 26 March 2026 during the public session of the central polling station at the town hall. This means the remaining seats have been allocated, the seat distribution is now definitive, and it is known who will take their seats on the municipal council.
Of the 50,342 eligible voters, 32,263 cast their votes. This brought the turnout to 64.1%. This is significantly higher than in the 2022 elections, when turnout was 55.2%.
Final seat distribution
The 33 seats on the Hardenberg municipal council have been allocated as follows:
Councillors
View which councillors have been appointed. They must still officially accept their appointments.
Farewell to the outgoing council on 31 March
On Tuesday, 31 March, the outgoing council will bid farewell. This will take place during a special council meeting starting at 19:30 at the town hall. Everyone is welcome to attend the farewell. After the meeting, you can say goodbye to the councillors from around 20:30 in the foyer of the town hall.
Installation of the new council and clarification debate on 1 April
On Wednesday, 1 April, the new council will be installed. This will take place during the council meeting starting at 19:00. The same meeting will also feature a clarification debate, during which the political groups will explain their views on the election results.
DOEN’22 has become the largest party and will take the lead in forming a new coalition. During the clarification debate, DOEN’22 will explain their approach to coalition formation and the formation process. The council will also be introduced to the scout, Eddy van Hijum. After the meeting, you can meet the new councillors from around 20:30 in the foyer of the town hall.
- Tuesday, 14 April is the first council meeting in the new composition.
- All council meetings will be broadcast live via hardenberg.raadsinformatie.nl.
- All results and figures can be read on www.hardenberg.nl/verkiezingen.