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A guide to Dutch election, results and what it means for Europe

Voting commenced on March 15.

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Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders of the PVV party leaves the polling station after voting in the general election in The Hague, Netherlands, March 15, 2017.
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Voting in the Netherlands began on Wednesday in a crucial election that is set to test anti-establishment, anti-immigrant and nationalist sentiment. It is seen as one of three elections that will test the strength of the ties that will keep the European Union (EU) together.

Voters will have to choose between 28 parties not candidates and four to six parties will have to come together to form a new Dutch government. Reuters reports 13 million voters have already begun casting ballots on March 15 at the casting ballots around the country which will close at 9:00 pm CET.

Here's everything you need to know about the election Europe is keeping a close watch on.

Who are the major parties this election?

The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD): The Liberal party, which is the party of the current PM  Mark Rutte, has held a majority in the government since 2012. 

The Party of Freedom: The right-wing party founded by Geert Wilders in 2004 is anti-immigration and is in favour of leaving the EU. Wilders is an anti-Islamic candidate who has been compared to US President Donald Trump.

* The Democrats 66: This party is pro-EU and reportedly in favour of legalised marijuana, prostitution, same-sex marriage and euthanasia. The party has been campaigning while citizens get their votes in:

* The Labour Party: had come in second place in 2012's election and governs in partnership with VVD. The party, according to New York Magazine, has been criticised for "supporting austerity measures."

Party leader Lodewijk Asscher voting:

The Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA): Since 1977, this centre-right party has participated in all except three Dutch governments.

*  The Green Left: The minor party is more popular with the younger generation and trying to emerge as a major player in the new government.

Party leader Jesse Klaver votes:

What do the polls reveal?

According to CNBC, the latest Dutch polling indicator Peilingwijzer shows PM Rutte's Liberals are leading and could win 23-27 seats.

Wilders' party could win the second-largest number of seats, 21-25.

In third position the CDA could win 18-20 seats and fourth Democrats 66 (17-19), followed by Greens (15-17), the Socialist Party (14-16) and Labour (11-13).

When will be the results be  announced?

The provisional final result  of the Dutch election results will be announced in the early hours of Thursday. 

What happens after the results are announced?

The final election result will formally be announced by the Dutch Electoral Council on March 21. It can, however take between a few days to months for the parties to agree on a coalition.

Informal talks will take place a day after the election but the formal process will commence when the new Parliament meets on March 23. 

What could 2017's election mean for Europe?

While holding a referendum on exiting the EU was not a major campaign issue, apart from Wilders in favour of it, a recent poll found 43% Dutch people do want to vote on their EU membership. Majority of the parties have come out in support of the reform,despite wanting to remain in the EU.

The Dutch election can be telling of whether Britain voting to leave the bloc and Trump's triumphant win are unique events or a growing signal of Europe embracing anti-establishment and right-wing populism before the elections of France, Germany and Italy.

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