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Who’s who in Dutch politics

Twenty-eight parties and 1,114 candidates, the highest number since World War II, are competing in the Dutch elections on Wednesday, chasing 150 seats in the lower house of parliament.

With a system of proportional representation, even the smallest parties can play an outsize role as kingmakers in building a 76-seat majority.

Here is a guide to navigating the alphabet soup of Dutch politics:

– Mark Rutte’s VVD –

Liberal party. Led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) leans towards the right on the economy but is more progressive on social issues.

Founded in 1948, it has been the ruling coalition partner in two successive governments since 2010. Rutte is vying for a third term as premier, but has vowed not to work with anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders.

Campaign theme: “Act. Normally.” Despite positioning itself as the party of the status quo, Rutte has hardened his tone and recently told immigrants they should respect the country’s norms “or leave”.

Poll forecast: First, with 24-28 seats according to the latest aggregated polls. Currently holds 40 seats.

– Geert Wilders’ PVV –

Far-right, anti-Islam, anti-EU. Led by outspoken MP Geert Wilders, known for his blonde bouffant hair.

Late last year when his Freedom Party (PVV) was topping the polls, Wilders had eyed the premiership. But most parties have said they will not work with him. And he has since slipped back to second place.

Campaign theme: “Reclaim The Netherlands For Us”. He has vowed to bar Muslim immigrants, close mosques, ban sales of the Koran and quit the EU.

The party is officially an association with just one member — Wilders.

Poll position: Second, with 19-22 seats. Currently holds 12.

– The CDA –

The centrist Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), now led by Sybrand Buma, was founded in 1980.

It has long held an important place in Dutch politics but as the country has become more secular, support has waned.

Campaign slogan: “Choice for a better Netherlands”. Its themes revolve around a strong society and the family.

Poll position: Third, with 19-21 seats. Currently has 13.

– The D66 –

Progressive and pro-European, the Democrats 66 (D66) party, now led by Alexander Pechtold, was founded in 1966.

Campaign slogan: “Stronger Together. Chances for Everyone”, stressing education and jobs.

Poll position: Fourth, with 17-19 seats. Currently has 12.

– GroenLinks –

Ecologist. Founded in 1990, the “GreenLeft” party is led by Jesse Klaver, at 30 the country’s youngest party leader. Amid a certain weariness with traditional politics, it has drawn increased support, particularly among young voters.

Campaign theme: “Time For Change”.

Poll position: Fifth, with 16-18 seats. Currently has four.

– The Socialists –

Founded in 1972, the Socialist Party is anti-EU. Campaign slogan: “Seize the Power”. Has called for a fight against poverty, an increase in the minimum wage and the abolition of the European Commission.

Poll position: Sixth with 14-16 seats. Currently has 15.

– The PvdA –

Labour. Founded in 1946, it is the junior party in the outgoing coalition.

Campaign slogan: “Forward Together”. It has been campaigning on jobs, better housing, health and education. It has sought to reposition itself on the left, but lacks credibility after four years in government.

Poll position: Seventh, with 10-12 seats. Currently has 35.

– And some others… –

SGP: Orthodox Protestant Calvinist, the Reformed Political Party was founded in 1918. It did not admit women members until 2006. It is against abortion and euthanasia. Could win two to four seats.

Christian Union (CU): May also take five to seven seats.

50+: The party for the over 50s. Could garner three to five seats.

Animal Party: Founded in 2002, works for animal rights. May take four to six seats.

Denk: Founded in 2015 by immigrants. Drawing support from Turkish and Moroccan communities. May take up to three seats.

Niet Stemmers: The party of non-voters. Has vowed never to vote in parliament.

FVD: Forum for Democracy, led by eurosceptic Thierry Baudet. Helped initiate last year’s referendum against the EU-Ukraine treaty. May take up to three seats.

Artikel 1: The country’s newest party launched in December by black TV presenter Sylvana Simons to fight racism.

Jesus Lives: Evangelist, founded in 2013 and says it lives by the commands of Jesus.

Polling figures are from Peilingwijzer, an aggregate of six surveys released late Tuesday.