Wilders has reason to be cautious however after his Freedom Party (PVV) has flopped in past votes. Amid the tussle between Rutte and Wilders, many of the 12.9 million eligible voters had been wavering between the 28 parties running. “This is a crucial election for The Netherlands,” Rutte said as he voted. After months leading the polls, Wilders has slipped and was seen barely clinging onto second place with between 19 and 22 MPs -- up on the 12 MPs his Freedom Party (PVV) had before. Wilders though won support Tuesday from ideological ally French far-right presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen who called him “a patriot”.

Source: Sunday Times March 15, 2017 14:26 UTC