Local elections: local parties, Socialists, D66 do best in new poll

The poll shows local parties will take 29 percent of the seats on the Netherlands’ 400 plus local authorities. They currently hold around 24 percent.

The SP is poised to boost its share to over 10 percent, compared with 4 percent at present.

And D66, which currently occupies 8 percent of local council seats is heading for 11.5 percent, the TNS Nipo poll shows.

The two ruling parties – VVD and Labour – are both on course to make significant losses.

The VVD currently holds nearly 16 percent of local council seats but will drop back to 11.7 percent.

Labour’s support is set to go from nearly 16 percent to under 10 percent.

The local elections take place on 19 March.