THE HAGUE: Dutch voters appeared to have rejected far-right leader Geert Wilders in favor of a centrist party, an exit poll suggested Wednesday, after a cliffhanger election closely watched in Europe where extremists are gaining ground. The centrist D66 party led by Rob Jetten was projected to win 27 seats out of 150 in parliament, ahead of Wilders and his far-right PVV Freedom Party with 25 seats, according to the Ipsos poll. If confirmed, the result would put Jetten, 38, in pole position to become the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister, subject to coalition talks.

A media in thrall to Wilders’ party ensures its agenda is entrenched in Dutch politics and will dominate Wednesday’s election, says political scientist Cas Mudde

With other parties refusing to govern with the far-right leader, months of political deadlock may lie ahead