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The polls are open for general elections in Holland, with current polling data indicating that the anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders and his PVV party may repeat their emerge victorious, although experts suggest PVV is unlikely of joining the future coalition.

Polling Trends and Political Landscape

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

Nevertheless, PVV's popularity has declined since the previous election, when it secured 37 seats. All major parties have stated they will not entering into a coalition with the PVV leader, and who triggered the fall of the previous government in June amid a dispute concerning his controversial immigration plans.

Key Contenders and Projections

Following a campaign dominated by issues such as migration, medical expenses, and the nation's severe housing crisis, the left-leaning GL/PvdA coalition, headed by former European commissioner Frans Timmermans, is placed a close second, projected to win between 22 and 26 seats.

Also performing well is the centrist D66, projected to increase its seat count nearly fivefold to 21-25 seats, while the centre-right CDA is anticipated to significantly increase its seat tally to between 18 and 22.

Members of the previous government – comprising the Freedom Party, VVD, BBB, and centrist New Social Contract (NSC) – are all projected to lose seats, with several facing heavy declines.

Voting Process and Fragmentation

In the Netherlands' electoral system, gaining just less than one percent of the vote yields a party a seat in parliament. Among the two dozen political groups participating in the vote – including senior-focused parties, for youth, animal rights parties, for a universal basic income, and sports parties – up to 16 could enter the legislature.

This significant division ensures that no one party is expected to secure a majority, and the Netherlands has been ruled by multi-party governments – often including four parties in recent governments – for more than a century.

Post-Election Scenarios

The PVV leader claimed that "the democratic process would end" in the country if the PVV ends up as the largest party yet is shut out of power. But, critics and analysts argue that winning the most seats does not assure government participation and that any coalition with a majority is a democratic outcome.

Although the election result is uncertain and coalition talks could take months, political observers indicate that after the most radical administration in its recent history, the future government is expected to be a inclusive coalition led by either the centre-left or centrist right.

Election Day Details

Polling stations, including those in the miniature city Madurodam in the capital and the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, opened at 7.30am (6.30am GMT) and will close at 9pm. A typically reliable exit poll is expected soon after closing time.

After the vote, an informateur will test potential governing alliances that could secure enough support in the legislature. Prospective coalition members will then negotiate an agreement for the coming term and must face a vote of confidence in the house before taking office.