Muslim and refugee groups relieved by exit poll results, wary of right-wing gains

The Amsterdam Refugee Solidarity Committee (ASKV) has responded positively to the results of the exit poll, saying that D66’s results reflect a “powerful voice” in the Netherlands standing against scapegoating. According to ASKV, the outcome offers a sense of hope while also carrying a shared responsibility.

“The election outcome makes clear that the Netherlands is at a turning point,” said Erik Rouw, ASKV’s executive director. “A wide range of voters are calling for a return to humanity and solidarity, a call that cannot be overlooked.”

The organization notes that refugee rights faced growing pressure under the previous administration. “Shelters were increasingly overstretched, and political rhetoric began to stigmatize support for undocumented individuals. What we saw was no coincidence; it was a deliberate policy of exclusion,” ASKV stated. ASKV urges D66 and other political parties to take action to reverse this situation

Election night also sparked intense interest among Muslim students. “Everyone was watching closely,” said Oumaima Al Abdellaoui, spokesperson for the Muslim Students Association Netherlands (MSA-NL). While the organization welcomes D66’s expected win, it also voices concern over the strong showing of right-wing parties.

The umbrella organization says D66’s strong performance is “encouraging for education,” though it remains uneasy about the party’s support for a ban on ritual slaughter.

Within MSA-NL, views on the CDA’s success are mixed. “The party shows moral leadership and values religion,” the spokesperson said, “yet it still refuses to recognize Palestine.”

The Collective of Young Muslims (CJM) likewise welcomed the exit poll outcome. “It’s a relief that the leading party hasn’t built its campaign around anti-Muslim rhetoric,” said CJM spokesperson Esma Kendir. “We hope that every effort will go toward safeguarding the rule of law, and, in turn, the position of Muslims.” The group added that a strong commitment to the rule of law should “serve as a guiding principle when selecting coalition partners.”

Yet both organizations remain worried about the strong showing of right-wing parties. “They continue to capture a significant portion of the vote. The PVV may have lost ground, but many of its supporters have shifted to JA21,” Al Abdellaoui noted. The students had also hoped to see the VVD lose support, criticizing the party for having used Muslims as scapegoats in past years.

The Cooperative Association of Moroccan Dutch (SMN) expressed relief that “democratic parties emerged victorious, while anti-democratic and divisive movements lost influence.” The group voiced hope for a future government committed to promoting equality of opportunity and inclusion.

“With D66 likely to emerge as the largest party, we believe it bears a clear responsibility to champion the rule of law, inclusion, and equal opportunity,” the organization stated. “Many who voted for D66 and its leader Rob Jetten did so out of a deep wish to foster connection and to oppose exclusion and discrimination.”

Ahead of the elections, SMN launched the #PakJeStemTerug campaign to highlight the importance of democratic participation among Moroccan Dutch. “The campaign received strong support within the community, which makes us proud,” the organization said.

RefugeeWork views the election results as a chance to foster constructive solutions and strengthen social cohesion and trust. The organization says the outcome indicates that “the Netherlands is turning away from years of stagnation and scapegoating.”

RefugeeWork notes that most voters have supported the broad center and urges the new government to tackle “genuine issues,” including the severe housing shortage. “Under the previous Cabinet, the asylum system became increasingly stuck. The new Cabinet must find solutions, and we are ready to offer our input,” said Chairman Frank Candel.

The organization calls on the coalition parties to back the Distribution Act and to focus on effectively implementing the European Migration Pact, noting that the asylum system will need substantial reform to meet these goals.