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Elections are now in progress for general elections in the Netherlands, with recent surveys indicating that the far-right firebrand Geert Wilders and his Freedom party (PVV) may repeat their win the most seats, though experts believe PVV is unlikely of joining the next government.

Survey Results and Political Landscape

Wilders' party, which previously pulled off a surprise first-place finish and established a four-party all-conservative coalition that collapsed within a year, is currently marginally ahead in surveys and is projected to win between 24 to 28 MPs in the 150-member parliament.

Nevertheless, the far-right party's support has declined since the previous election, when it secured 37 seats. Every significant political group have stated they will not forming a government with the PVV leader, and who triggered the fall of the outgoing coalition in the summer over disagreements concerning his radical immigration proposals.

Major Parties and Forecasts

At the end of a election period focused on issues such as migration, medical expenses, and the nation's severe housing crisis, the left-leaning GL/PvdA coalition, led by ex-EU official Frans Timmermans, is placed a near second, projected to win between 22 to 26 seats.

Also forecast to do well is the liberal-progressive D66, projected to boost its representation nearly fivefold to 21-25 seats, while the centre-right CDA is expected to significantly increase its number of MPs to between 18 and 22.

The outgoing cabinet members – which included the PVV, VVD, populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), and NSC – are all projected to lose seats, with several facing heavy declines.

Voting Process and Political Division

In the proportional Dutch system, securing just 0.67% of the vote earns a party a seat in parliament. Of the two dozen political groups participating in the vote – which include parties for the over-50s, youth parties, animal rights parties, for a universal basic income, and for sport – as many as 16 may gain entry to parliament.

This significant fragmentation means that no one party is ever likely to secure a majority, and the Netherlands has been ruled by multi-party governments – typically composed of several groups in recent governments – for over 100 years.

Post-Election Scenarios

The PVV leader claimed that "the democratic process would end" in the Netherlands if the PVV ends up as the largest party yet is excluded from government. But, critics and analysts argue that winning the most seats does not guarantee government participation and that any governing alliance with a parliamentary majority is democratically valid.

Although the election result is hard to predict and government negotiations could take several months, political observers indicate that after the most extreme government in its recent history, the next Dutch cabinet is expected to be a inclusive alliance led by either the moderate left or moderate right.

Voting Process

Voting locations, such as those in the miniature city Madurodam in The Hague and the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam, began operations at 7:30 AM (6:30 GMT) and will conclude at 9:00 PM. A usually accurate post-voting survey is anticipated soon after closing time.

After the vote, an official negotiator will explore potential governing alliances that could command a majority in parliament. Potential partners will then negotiate an agreement for the coming term and must face a confidence vote in the house before taking office.