The Netherlands held a snap election on Wednesday, with polls opening across the country in a closely contested race centered around housing, migration, and the influence of anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders.

The vote was called after Wilders' Party for Freedom brought down the last four-party coalition over a dispute regarding immigration policy.

Wilders' party remains on track to win the largest number of seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, according to polls.

However, other more moderate parties are closing the gap, and pollsters caution that many voters decide late.

Wilders' party calls for a halt to asylum seekers entering the Netherlands.

The election takes place against a backdrop of deep polarization within Dutch society, including recent violence at anti-immigration rallies and protests against new asylum-seeker centers.

Voting venues range from city halls and schools to historic windmills, churches, a zoo, and even the iconic Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam.

Mainstream parties have ruled out working with Wilders, citing his untrustworthiness as a coalition partner.

Leaders of center-left parties have also criticized Wilders, emphasizing their commitment to addressing migration issues with positive energy rather than hatred.

Wilders rejects claims that he has failed to deliver on his campaign promises from 2023, despite being the largest party in parliament.

He attributes these failures to other parties obstructing his plans.

The election could see significant changes in the Dutch political landscape, particularly for the reformist New Social Contract party, which is predicted to lose most of its seats following a backlash against its decision to join a coalition with Wilders and the departure of its popular leader Pieter Omtzigt.