🔗 Share this article Voting Begins in Holland as Surveys Suggest Possible Second Victory for Firebrand Leader Geert Wilders Elections are now in progress for parliamentary elections in Holland, with current polling data suggesting that the anti-immigration firebrand Geert Wilders and his Freedom party (PVV) may repeat their emerge victorious, although experts believe the party stands little chance of joining the next government. Polling Trends and Political Landscape The PVV, which previously achieved a shock top result and established a multi-party all-conservative government that collapsed within a year, is now slightly leading in surveys and is forecast to win between 24 to 28 seats in the 150-seat parliament. However, the far-right party's support has dipped since 2023, when it won 37 parliamentary seats. Every significant political group have publicly ruled out entering into a coalition with the PVV leader, who triggered the fall of the outgoing coalition in June over a dispute concerning his controversial immigration proposals. Major Parties and Projections At the end of a election period focused on issues such as immigration, healthcare costs, and the nation's severe housing crisis, the centre-left GL/PvdA coalition, led by ex-EU official Frans Timmermans, is running a close second, expected to gain between 22 to 26 seats. Also performing well is the centrist D66, projected to increase its seat count nearly fivefold to 21 to 25 seats, while the right-leaning CDA is anticipated to more than double its number of MPs to between 18 and 22. Members of the previous government – comprising the PVV, liberal-conservative VVD, populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), and NSC – are all forecast to lose seats, with some facing heavy losses. Voting Process and Fragmentation Under the proportional Dutch system, gaining just 0.67% of the vote yields a party a seat in parliament. Among the 27 parties contesting the election – including parties for the over-50s, for youth, animal rights parties, for a universal basic income, and sports parties – up to 16 may gain entry to the legislature. This high degree of fragmentation means that no single party is expected to win a majority, and Holland has been governed by multi-party governments – typically composed of several groups in recent governments – for over 100 years. Government Formation Wilders has stated that "democracy will be dead" in the country if the his party ends up as the largest party yet is excluded from government. But, opponents and experts say that winning the most seats does not guarantee government participation and that any coalition with a majority is democratically valid. While the election result is hard to predict and government negotiations could take months, political observers suggest that after the most radical administration in recent memory, the next Dutch cabinet is expected to be a inclusive coalition led by either the centre-left or moderate right. Election Day Details Polling stations, including those in the miniature city Madurodam in the capital and the Anne Frank house in the capital city, began operations at 7:30 AM (6.30am GMT) and will conclude at 9:00 PM. A typically reliable post-voting survey is expected soon after the polls close. Once voting concludes, an official negotiator will test potential governing alliances that could secure enough support in the legislature. Prospective coalition members will then draft a governing pact for the next four years and must undergo a vote of confidence in parliament before assuming power.