Netherlands gets ready for intense parliamentary elections
(MENAFN) Polling stations across the Netherlands opened Wednesday as citizens cast ballots for the House of Representatives, with recent polls showing a closely contested race among the leading parties, according to reports.
Approximately 13.5 million voters are eligible to participate in the general elections, with stations open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time (06:00–20:00 GMT). In several cities, including Zwolle, Arnhem, and Castricum, select polling locations opened at midnight, allowing early voting in venues such as student cafes, museums, and community centers.
Current opinion polls indicate a tight contest between the Party for Freedom (PVV), the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance, and the liberal Democrats 66, with the Christian Democratic Appeal and the center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy trailing closely behind.
Migration has emerged as the central issue in the campaign, driving support for the far-right PVV led by Geert Wilders. Major parties across the spectrum have pledged stricter asylum policies in response to a housing crisis that many voters associate with migration.
A total of 1,166 candidates from 27 parties are competing for 150 seats in the Dutch parliament. No single party is expected to achieve the 76-seat majority needed to form a government alone.
The first exit poll results are expected shortly after the close of voting. Once the official results are confirmed, coalition negotiations will begin, with the party winning the most seats taking the lead in forming a new government.
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