Island Council elections

Island Council elections

The last Island Council elections were held on March 15, 2023. The next Island Council elections will take place four years later.

After the elections, the votes are counted. The more votes a party receives, the more seats that party gets. Parties can form a coalition (collaboration) by reaching out to each other. Together, they make agreements on how to govern Bonaire for the next four years. The Island Council consists of 9 members.

There is a period of four years between the Island Council elections. During this period, a coalition can govern the island. A coalition needs at least 5 seats to govern. If a party or Island Council member no longer wants to participate, the number of seats may fall below 5. Then there is a minority, and the coalition must resign.

Voting for the Island Council

The Island Council is elected every 4 years by the residents of Bonaire. You can then vote for candidates from political parties. You are eligible to vote if you are 18 years or older and registered as a resident of Bonaire. It is not necessary to have Dutch nationality: even citizens who do not have Dutch nationality, but have been registered continuously for more than 5 years, are allowed to vote for the Island Council.

What does the Island Council do?

The members of the Island Council represent the residents of Bonaire. Their task is to create plans for Bonaire that align with the wishes of the residents. Therefore, the Island Council needs to have a good understanding of what is happening in Bonaire. The Island Council also oversees whether the Executive Council is implementing their plans effectively and achieving the desired results. Additionally, the Island Council determines how the funds are spent.

The Island Council and the Executive Council

The Public Entity of Bonaire has an Island Council and an Executive Council. The political parties that will collaborate after the elections (the coalition) form an Executive Council. This Executive Council implements the policies established by the coalition. The Executive Council is the daily administration of the island. It consists of the Lieutenant Governor and the deputies. The Executive Council is accountable to the Island Council. Together they govern the island. The Island Council determines, the Executive Council advises and implements.

Important moments and dates

The next elections for the Island Council will be held in 2027. Well in advance, you will find all the important moments related to these elections on this site.