🔗 Share this article Voting Begins in the Netherlands as Polls Point to Potential Repeat Victory for Firebrand Leader Geert Wilders The polls are open for parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, with current polling data suggesting that the far-right firebrand Geert Wilders and his PVV party may repeat their emerge victorious, although experts believe PVV is unlikely of joining the future coalition. Polling Trends and Political Landscape The PVV, which in the last election pulled off a surprise first-place finish and established a multi-party all-conservative government that collapsed within a year, is currently marginally ahead in surveys and is forecast to secure between 24 to 28 MPs in the 150-seat house of representatives. Nevertheless, PVV's popularity has declined since the previous election, when it secured 37 seats. Every significant political group have stated they will not entering into a coalition with Wilders, and who triggered the fall of the previous government in June over disagreements concerning his controversial anti-refugee proposals. Key Contenders and Forecasts At the end of a campaign focused on issues such as immigration, healthcare costs, and the nation's severe housing shortage, the left-leaning GL/PvdA coalition, led by former European commissioner Frans Timmermans, is running a near second, expected to gain between 22 and 26 parliamentary seats. Also performing well is the liberal-progressive D66, predicted to boost its representation nearly fivefold to 21 to 25 seats, while the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDA) is expected to more than double its seat tally to between 18 and 22. The outgoing cabinet members – which included the Freedom Party, liberal-conservative VVD, populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), and centrist New Social Contract (NSC) – are all projected to see their representation reduced, with some facing heavy losses. Voting Process and Fragmentation Under the Netherlands' electoral system, gaining just less than one percent of the national vote yields a party a seat in parliament. Among the 27 parties contesting the election – including senior-focused parties, for youth, for animals, for a universal basic income, and sports parties – as many as 16 may gain entry to parliament. This significant fragmentation means that no one party is expected to secure a majority, and the Netherlands has been governed by multi-party governments – typically composed of four parties in recent governments – for over 100 years. Post-Election Scenarios Wilders has stated that "the democratic process would end" in the country if the PVV becomes the biggest group yet is excluded from power. However, critics and analysts argue that first place does not guarantee a role in the coalition and that any governing alliance with a parliamentary majority is democratically valid. Although the election result is uncertain and government negotiations may require months, analysts suggest that after the most extreme government in its recent history, the future government is likely to be a broad-based coalition headed by either the moderate left or centrist right. Election Day Details Polling stations, including those in the Madurodam model village in The Hague and the Anne Frank house in the capital city, began operations at 7.30am (6:30 GMT) and will close at 9pm. A typically reliable exit poll is anticipated shortly after the polls close. Once voting concludes, an official negotiator will test potential governing alliances that could secure enough support in the legislature. Potential partners will then draft a governing pact for the coming term and must face a vote of confidence in the house before taking office.