VVD withdraws from elections after threats

The VVD has decided to withdraw the local VVD in Heemskerk, Noord-Holland, from the upcoming City Council elections after some of its members received serious threats, according to regional VVD chairman, Henry Meijdam. Besides current VVD alderman, Ellen van Tongeren, a candidate board member received threatening letters, stating: 'We know where to find you if you don't withdraw from the list.

We will chop your head off.' The candidate board member considered the threat severe enough to withdraw from the elections, especially since the threats have recently increased in severity. The VVD members filed police reports. The VVD board wants to first evaluate the situation in Heemskerk 'before allowing nominees again to run in the elections on behalf of the party.' said Meijdam. The VVD Heemskerk has struggled with issues for a while now, Just last month the nomination for the election caused heated debates and the local board was temporarily relieved of all responsibilities. Meijdam is shocked by the developments describes the events as 'unworthy' for a democratic party in the Netherlands. The regional chairman fully supports the decision the VVD made, as being the only just one. 'We don't live in a banana republic. A nomination has to be a democratic process.'