Netherlands Kicks Off Voting in Parliamentary Elections
(MENAFN) Polling stations across the Netherlands opened Wednesday morning as citizens head to the polls to elect members of the House of Representatives, with surveys indicating a close contest among the top parties.
Approximately 13.5 million voters are eligible to participate in the general elections, with polling locations operating from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (06:00–20:00 GMT), according to local media reports.
In cities such as Zwolle, Arnhem, and Castricum, select polling stations welcomed early voters as early as midnight, offering ballots in unconventional venues, including a student café, a museum, and a community center.
The latest opinion polls show the Party for Freedom (PVV), the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance, and liberal Democrats 66 running virtually even, while the Christian Democratic Appeal and the center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy remain close behind.
Migration has emerged as the dominant issue of this election, shaping voter priorities and boosting far-right support under PVV leader Geert Wilders. All major parties have pledged stricter asylum regulations in response to a housing crisis many voters link to migration.
A total of 1,166 candidates across 27 political parties are competing for 150 seats in the Dutch parliament. Analysts say no single party is likely to secure the 76 seats needed to govern alone.
“The first exit poll results are expected to be announced shortly after voting ends.”
Once official results are confirmed, coalition negotiations will commence. The party winning the most seats will take the lead in inviting others to form a new government—a process experts warn could be lengthy.
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