• Rotterdam mayor challenges her fear of heights
• Pledges to abseil from tower if voter turnout rises

The Dutch mayor of Rotterdam, who admits to a strong fear of heights, announced her plan to descend by rope from the city’s tallest tower if participation in Wednesday’s local elections improves.

Carola Schouten shared a video on her Instagram account from the observation platform of the 185-meter-high Euromast tower, which is currently under renovation.

“I’ve said before that I’m ready to do anything to boost voter turnout in these local elections,” Schouten said.

When asked if this included abseiling from the Euromast, Europe’s highest tower according to its official website, she confirmed her willingness.

“You should know that I’m terrified of heights — in fact, even standing here makes me nervous and shaky,” she added.

However, she pledged to descend from the 100-meter-high viewing platform if turnout surpasses 38.9%, the lowest recorded four years ago.

“I’ve even prepared all the equipment,” she said as a worker handed her the abseiling gear.

“If you want to see me dangling in the air, make sure you vote on March 18,” she urged.

Dutch voters head to the polls Wednesday to elect mayors and city officials, with surveys suggesting locally focused parties are expected to perform best.