Dutch Voters Head to Polls in Tight Election Dominated by Migration Debate
Polling stations opened across the Netherlands on Wednesday morning as the country votes to elect members of the House of Representatives, with polls indicating a close race among the main political parties.
Around 13.5 million Dutch citizens are eligible to cast their ballots, with polling stations open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (06:00–20:00 GMT), according to local media. In several cities, including Zwolle, Arnhem, and Castricum, a few stations opened at midnight to allow early voters to participate in symbolic venues such as a student café, museum, and community center.
The latest opinion polls suggest a tight contest among the Party for Freedom (PVV), the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance, and the liberal Democrats 66, while the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) trail closely behind.
Migration has emerged as the dominant issue of the campaign, ranking as voters’ top concern. The debate has bolstered far-right support for PVV leader Geert Wilders, as all major parties pledge to implement stricter asylum policies amid a worsening housing shortage that many Dutch citizens attribute to migration.
A total of 1,166 candidates from 27 political parties are competing for 150 seats in the Dutch Parliament. No single party is projected to secure the 76 seats needed for an outright majority.
The first exit polls are expected shortly after voting concludes. Once the official results are certified, coalition talks will begin — a process that, experts say, could take weeks or even months before a new government is formed.
