Candidates

BIJ1 kicks-off the election campaign for the elections in March 2021 with a mix of household names and new talents. The party has people running for election all over the country and kingdom. We choose a list full of experience and knowledge. Together they give a face to one of the core values of the party: 'radical equality'.

Sylvana Simons has once again received the vote of confidence to lead the list. She will enter the elections with 'running mate' artist Quinsy Gario. And together with Rebekka Timmer, who used to be one of the youngest councillors of the Netherlands in Hilversum. We also get to know new political talent. Anti-validism activist Jeanette Chedda is fourth on the list. Youth worker Daryll Ricardo Landbrug is number five. Followed by Michantely de Jong, peer educator at Amnesty International.

The list also includes several young people, including former party chairman Lennon Fokkens and Nihâl Esma Altmış. Sex worker rights activist Yvette Luhrs and new Dutch citizen and pro-Palestinian ex-Israeli Yuval Gal are also eligible for BIJ1. As well as the Frisian Petra Kramer and university employee Bart Mijland.

Further down the list we find Miko-Serko Mamoribo-Carels, expert in youth care. And Lysanne Charles, from the special municipality of Saba, founder of an LHBTQIA organization on St. Maarten. Followed by trade unionist Vayhishta Miskin. In total the candidate list of BIJ1 consists of 18 persons. With professor Gloria Wekker, writer Anousha Nzume and actress Romana Vrede closing the list.

#1 - Sylvana Simons

“All who find themselves in the Netherlands are treated equally under equal circumstances. That's the first sentence from the very first article of our constitution. If you want this to finally be enacted, BIJ1 is your party! We stand for a society that works for everyone. With equality, justice and solidarity at its'core. ”

#2 - Quinsy Gario

“Ruling political parties want us all to believe that there isn't enough money. Proposals are made continuously, leaving groups of people to which they do not belong or those they don't know in a much harder position. Plans are created from scarcity while this government makes generous donations to sectors and companies with good lobbyists. I think we shouldn't just put a stop to it, but also show that things can be done in a different way. "

#3 - Rebekka Timmer

“As an anti-capitalist, I believe that the economy shouldn't just work for a small group of people, but for all of us. The same goes for healthcare: it shouldn't be about profits and a constant focus on reducing expenses, but caring for people must come first. With BIJ1 I'll fight for a fair economy and a healthcare system that belongs to, and works for all of us.”

#4 - Jeanette Chedda

“From experience I know that because of my disability, I must prove ten times over that I am worth as much as someone without disability. I find that sad and painful and I want that to stop. The time is now.”

#5 - Daryll Ricardo Landbrug

“More than ever it's time for black people, voices and opinions in terms of representation, inclusion and ownership in politics. The times of politics that are conducted while talking about black people, instead of talking with black people, is over.”

#6 - Michantely de Jong

“The climate crisis still keeps getting underestimated and unfortunately, no serious measures have been put in place to stop it. This crisis is already causing victims worldwide and is one of the greatest threats for our existence, as for flora, fauna and ecosystems around us. The blame and responsibility shouldn't come be pointed at the individual, but at the major polluters and the system that enables them to do so.”

#7 - Lennon Fokkens

“Our current House of Representatives is overwhelmingly white, elitist, predominantly male and no reflection of our society at all. I believe it is very important for all Dutch people to feel represented, and that the voices of marginalized people are also heard. BIJ1 stands up for all Dutch people who have been left out all this time."

#8 - Nihâl Esma Altmış

“From my life experience being a Muslim, the child of an immigrant, autistic and many other intersections, I know how frustrating it is to always be multiple steps behind the ruling norm. But I don't have to and don't want to wait for change, or that someone like me stands up. Because I am part of this change and I will get up. I see it as my responsibility to be the echo of all the unheard voices.”

#9 - Yvette Luhrs

“It's the governments responsibility to guarantee a dignified life and existence for everyone. As an experienced spokesperson of a marginalized group I know how important it is to be involved and to be heard, instead of people talking about you. It is imperative that a government transcends stigmas and prejudices. ”

#10 - Petra Kramer

“My very existence was punishable up until 1985, the Amsterdam police hunted transgender sex workers for fun. Until 2014, trans people were obliged to be sterilized before the government would refer to us right. There are still gatekeepers among them and our right to self-determination, and for non-binary people nothing has been regulated at all by law. So let's do it ourselves as BIJ1.”

#11 - Yuval Gal

“I use food to convey a message and to unite people. Food isn't just a necessity, it is culture. And more than ever, there is a problem with our food and therefore our culture. The current way of food production feeds the greed of the rich more than it stills the hunger of the poor. That's the culture we'll need to break through."

#12 - Bart Mijland

“Life on our planet is unique and we have to preserve it. But we don't always get along well with nature and in fact, with other people. We can make that situation better and fairer. But it's only possible if we cooperate internationally. In this way we can keep our earth green and colorful. I stand for BIJ1, because being BIJ1, you'll never be alone.

#13 - Lysanne Charles

"I am BIJ1 because I believe in radical changes throughout the kingdom of The Netherlands and equality for the islands. Since the beginning this party stood up for inclusion and progress and I as a black, Feminist/female, creative, LGBTQIA+ activist am proud to be a part of it."

#14 - Miko-Serko Mamoribo-Carels

"I'm BIJ1 for a socially just, sustainable and Spiritually conscious society. For systemchange to an Urban Indigenous culture, from local to global!"

#15 - Vayhishta Miskin

"Because every human being has the right to be."

#16 - Gloria Wekker

"BIJ1 is one of the few, perhaps the only place in society where we see so much different people naturally come together, where I feel completely at home, which always makes me very happy."

#17 - Anousha Nzume

"Sometimes I think people avoid certain themes like the plague, because if you admit that you know and see it, you have to do something with it. Because otherwise you contribute to a terrible system. And so it's easier to just look away, walk away. But I don't run away."

#18 - Romana Vrede

"BIJ1 is the only party that recognizes me in all my intersections. Woman, Black, Queer, Mother of a child with disabilities, Artist. My being is an exception in today's society, but I believe that everyone is an exception as long as the norm is scary, i.e. narrow. By hearing all the voices, only then can you come to a connection. BIJ1 wants to include all so-called 'minorities'.