The Great Election Show
1 October 2025
On October 29th, we're heading to the voting booths once again. For many students, this raises important questions like: Which party will truly tackle the housing crisis? Or who has a credible plan for climate change?
And how can our trust in politics be restored? With The Great Election Show (organised by The Lighthouse and De Kiesmannen) we brought these pressing issues closer to our students. For many young people, this raises important questions. Which party will truly tackle the housing crisis? Who has a credible plan for climate change? And how can our trust in politics be restored? With The Great Election Show (organised by The Lighthouse and De Kiesmannen) we brought these pressing issues closer to our students.
Making politics accessible
De Kiesmannen, led by Jochem Jordaan and Dylan Ahern, are a creative collective that engages young people in social and political themes through humour, theatre and interaction. Their mission: To make politics accessible and show that every vote matters. As Dylan explained: “For the majority of students it’s difficult to find direction when it comes to voting. There are so many parties and statements, which sometimes makes it impossible to see the forest for the trees. We want to help clear that path.”
Housing and climate
The show took our students into two themes that directly affect their generation: Housing and Climate & Energy. With provocative statements such as “The government should set a maximum rent for all rental homes” or “The climate crisis is exaggerated”, the audience was invited to take a stand.
The event also marked the launch of the Housing Compass and the Climate & Energy Compass, giving students new tools to explore where their political views align. Feedback from the students was enthusiastic: “I don’t know much about Dutch politics yet and this seemed like an interesting way to learn more”, one student said. Another added: “It’s important that this happens here in The Hague for us, as it’s the political capital of the country.”
Approachable and connecting
The show’s success lies in its approach: Interactive, playful and thought-provoking. As Jochem noted: “Only four percent of Dutch citizens currently trust politics. That makes it tempting to disengage. But with humour, politics becomes more approachable and it brings people together. We want to ensure that everyone truly believes that change is possible.”
Learning together, choosing together
At THUAS, we believe that the diversity of our student community (spanning different backgrounds and political perspectives) creates the perfect environment for dialogue about the future of our society. Jochem encourages everyone: “Read up, dive into the themes that matter to you and cast your vote with confidence. That’s when your voice truly becomes powerful.”
